Run To The Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide To Running

Today, we’re getting a behind the scenes look into the most iconic event on the marathon racing calendar: the Boston Marathon. Lauren Proshan is the Chief of Race Operations & Production for the Boston Athletics Association (BAA) and joins us on the show to help answer questions including: How many staff and volunteers it takes to put on a race for 30,000+ runners Why the race starts later in the morning than most marathons How to get to the startline on race day How to avoid lines at the expo Where to find places to go to the bathroom on race day How to prepare for the unpredictable weather conditions in Boston What else you can do to prepare for the Boston Marathon weekend We’re getting the inside scoop on what it takes to organize the entire marathon weekend including Lauren’s best tips to help you prepare to throw down in Beantown. Boston Marathon Website BAA Official App Boston Marathon Training Guide from Runners Connect   Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Joi

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-resou

You’re not going to gain much fitness in the last few days before a race but nailing your carb load can give a huge boost in performance. We’re bringing together registered dietician Travis Wilson and running coach Andie Cozzarelli to help you master the art of the carb load with topics including: How long before race day you need to start increasing your carb intake How to know how many carbs your body needs Whether to focus on whole grains or fast-absorbing simple carbs like pasta and white bread  Examples of what to eat at each point in the carb load as your race approaches How to fix common fueling problems like cramping and GI upset Making carbs your friend will help you to hit your paces for longer without feeling fatigued and Travis helps us to understand the science behind how this works. metpro.co 3 Ways to Effectively Carb Loading Before a Race - Runners Connect Glycogen Calculator - How Many Grams of Crabs you Need to Avoid Hitting the Wall   Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConn

Lots of runners fear the DNF (Did Not Finish) but you don’t have to. On today’s show, Cory and Hayley discuss why you should embrace the DNF. In this episode we talk about: When to consider a DNF Why pro runners DNF so often in races How to get back to the finish or back home if you DNF Adjusting your running goals after a DNF Overcoming mental challenges like anxiety and disappointment when a run doesn’t go as planned Why embracing the DNF can help you to perform better in races After months of training you may understandably feel disappointed or frustrated with a DNF.  We’re here to tell you that embracing and maybe even planning for the possibility of a DNF will help you to come back stronger. Listen to the show to find out how. 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 w

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

What if you could take a long break from running and not lose any fitness?  The theory is simple; train harder now so that you have mileage “banked” for later when you might be training less.  We’ll look more closely at whether this could be an effective strategy with topics including: Why mileage matters for building aerobic fitness How long it takes to lose fitness during a break from training What is supercompensation and whether it helps you to hold onto fitness longer Whether it matters how you spread mileage across a training cycle or if it’s only the total volume that counts Whether banking mileage is an effective strategy that you should consider adopting  Don’t let a break eat into your fitness and find out if you can really bank fitness beforehand. Supercompensation training: Supercompensation Training: Learning from Elite Runners - Runners Connect Fuelling Blueprint: https://runnersconnect.net/fuel Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment

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 Perdue, 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 

There’s no better preparation for race day than another race but the key is understanding how to schedule your races so that it enhances your training rather than getting in the way.  We’ll cover racing topics today that include: What separates a goal race from a tuneup race or other races in training How racing more can make you better prepared for your goal race How to pick the right race that fits in your training Whether you need to taper when racing in the middle of a training block How far apart your races should be from other races or hard workouts Why you might not want to give your full effort at every race If you want to know how to make racing a more regular part of your training routine then make sure you listen to today’s show. Tune-up Racing Blog: How to Incorporate Tune-Up Races into Your Training - Runners Connect 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 Ci

The running boom has brought lots of changes, but which of these new trends are actually good for the sport? The RC team is bringing you another underrated or overrated episode focusing on trends in running, and we’re bringing on coach Ruairi to answer questions like: Are running clubs a better way to meet people than dating apps? Should every running shoe have a carbon plate? Is too much data from running watches a good or bad thing? How RC coaches feel about the trend of “rawdogging runs” Does exclusive gear like Tracksmith’s BQ singlet for Boston Marathon qualifiers celebrate excellence or gatekeep the sport? We’ll get into all the fun and bizarre trends in sport from running influencers to Strava art. So which trends are overrated? We’ve got opinions and you probably do too, so let’s get into the episode on which running trends are overrated or underrated. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!

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

For today’s show we’re welcoming back a voice that should be familiar to longtime listeners, assistant coach at Bowerman TC and former RC coach Alex Ostberg.  Alex is a seven-time All-American who holds PRs of 3:58 in the Mile, 7:49 in the 3k, and 13:18 in the 5k. He’s back today to share training secrets from working with the fastest runners on the planet, including: What are the most important training principles for runners of all levels What is the role of a coach in getting the best out of their athletes How Alex’s coaching philosophy has changed over time Why you should think twice before trying to mimic the training of elite athletes like the Bowerman TC team If you’re curious what it’s like to coach world-class runners and what you can learn from them, then you’ll really enjoy this conversation with Alex Ostberg.  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 Faceb

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 Pro

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 Con

The New Year is the perfect time to set nutrition goals. Eating well will give you more energy for workouts and help with recovery. The nutrition team at Metpro is once again joining Run to the Top with topics like: Why nutrition goal-setting is important for athletes How to set an effective New Year’s goal or resolution Why you might actually need to eat more if you have a goal to lose weight  Why snacking is such a powerful tool for runners How to tailor your nutrition to your personal metabolism and goals  Healthy eating is super individualistic and will vary by person. That’s why it’s important to set goals that are specific and relevant to your lifestyle. So if you want to run your best in 2025, it all starts with setting the right goals to fuel the hard workouts that get you there.  To learn more about MetPro: Website: https://metpro.co/ Email: denniis@metpro.co Instagram: @proco Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first

For Lena Andersson, running is about more than health and fitness. It’s a way to see the world that she’s sharing through her tour company Go! Running Tours. Go! Running Tours is a global tour provider that connects traveling runners with like-minded locals who are passionate about sharing their culture.  During this conversation, Lena chats about the story behind this tour group including: What it’s like to take part in a running tour How Lena traded in her corporate job to start a global running company What are Lena’s favorite places in the world to run How running culture differs across cities How to make running a part of your vacation outside of racing Running tours are a great way to see the world that’s better for the environment and local cities.  Go! Running Tours started with a dream of showing people around Copenhagen but you’ll hear how it transformed into a global agency with 50+ destinations. If you’re a lover of running or travel then you’re going to want to hear her story. Go! Running Tou

This athlete spotlight features two incredible athletes who each recently won the Muleskinner 50 miler. The kicker though, is that these co-champions are a mother and son due! Bethany and TJ are a true family of runners and you’re going to love hearing about their story including answers to questions including: Why they picked the Muleskinner 50 miler to compete together How Bethany recovered from taking a wrong turn during the race How TJ finds time for running and 4-6 strength sessions per week while studying business full-time and working  What training looked like for each of them leading up to race day Why Bethany and TJ love running so much What other races they have planned and whether other members of the family might be catching the running bug If you’re a longtime listener, you’ll know that the RC spotlight is all about celebrating the accomplishments of runners just like you who are doing incredible things. Bethany and TJ might not be pros, but they have a dedication and love for the sport that’s

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

Winter is coming, and that means you may be doing the majority of your training in the dark and cold depending on where you live. You don’t have to let sunlight limit your training though! This episode is about how to get the most out of winter training; from a safety perspective and performance perspective.  This includes answering questions such as: How your body reacts differently to running in the dark and cold How to dress on your runs for better visibility and warmth How to train safely before sunrise or after sunset How to structure winter training while working towards a goal Spring race When to throw in the towel and move your training inside There’s a time and place for training inside or skipping your run but we know it’s way more fun to keep your training going. Make sure you’re doing this safely and tune-in to find out how. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner

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 with

This is the time of year when most marathon runners are finishing their goal races for the fall season. Once the excitement of this incredible accomplishment fades though, you might be left wondering when you should start running again.  There’s no simple answer here but ensuring that you give yourself enough time to recover both mentally and physically will help with preventing burnout or injury in the next training cycle.  The amount of recovery you need will depend on a lot of factors that will be addressed with topics such as: What actually happens to your body when you race a marathon? How long does the “damage” from running a marathon last? How do you know when your body might be ready to start running again? What is the difference in the amount of time needed before you are ready for easy running compared to tougher structured workouts? Is it ever okay to run the day after you complete a marathon? Coach Hayley has guided many runners through this process and helps us with answering the tough question