For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

What do you get when you cross a full-time international ship broker, a world-class endurance athlete, and a dad who's planning to row across the Atlantic? You get Mike Wardian. Today we're diving into how he manages to excel at everything while never losing his curiosity for the next adventure.Mike Wardian is a multifaceted endurance athlete who describes himself as a husband, father, international ship broker, business owner, full-time professional athlete and a vegan adventurer.Mike has been a sponsored athlete since 2002, for 23 years, and has worked with both endemic running brands and non-endemic sponsors like T-Mobile, with whom he has partnered since 2017. His extensive travel through running has taken his family to 33 countries across all seven continents, providing his two sons Pierce (18) and Grant (16) with extraordinary global experiences.Mike’s adventurous spirit extends far beyond traditional racing. He has completed numerous ambitious projects including seven marathons in seven continents in seven days, running across the country, and completing the Appalachian Trail. Recently, he set a record in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, competing in 45 events over three weeks and winning 40 medals in activities ranging from running events to Scrabble, swimming, pickleball, and even golf. He's already planning his next major challenge: rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 2027.Jon chats with Mike about:his career of running 180 marathons and 143 ultra marathonshow he races 40-50 times per yearrunning seven marathons in seven continents in seven days"invisible training" concept which minimizes impact on family lifecultural observations and travel tipsStay connected:Follow Mike:https://www.instagram.com/mikewardian/https://www.mikewardian.com/This episode is supported by:Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN

What if I told you that 93% of people can travel anywhere in the world with minimal to no jet lag - and it has nothing to do with melatonin or light therapy?Andrew is the Founder of FlyKitt, a breakthrough travel protocol built for high performers from the battlefield to the boardroom, who demand peak output under any condition.Whether leading a team, competing at the highest level, or making critical decisions, showing up sharp post-flight is non-negotiable. But out of the 10 million+ people who fly daily, few know the kind of toll it takes on the body. Jet lag, inflammation, dehydration, gut issues, joint pain, poor metabolism, brain fog — the risk is real and long-lasting. Jon chats with Andrew about:how travel affects health and athletic performance and can increase inflammationthe correct way to deal with jet lagthe challenges of delivering personalized health insights at scalespecific supplements and nutrients used to combat travel-related inflammationcompression socks, nerve stimulators, and other tools to improve travel experienceStay connected:Follow Andrew:https://www.instagram.com/andrewherrbio/https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-herr/FlyKitt:https://flykitt.com/This episode is supported by:Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Head to eternal.co and use the Black Friday offer while it’s live. That’s 25% off all plans. Your future self is going to be very happy you did this, and feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions!AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!

From a Colombian orphanage to professional trail running champion, Jenn Lichter's story proves that sometimes the hardest journeys lead to the most extraordinary destinations.Jenn Lichter is a 29-year-old professional trail runner who competes primarily in distances ranging from marathon to 50-mile races. Born in Bogota, Colombia, she grew up in an orphanage before being adopted at nine years old and moving to La Crosse, Wisconsin.Her trail running career took off after working as a hiking guide at Glacier National Park, where she discovered her passion for mountain running during her off days. In September 2021, she competed in The Rut, her first major trail race, which led to her being discovered by The North Face team manager Esther. She signed with The North Face in 2022 and has been with the brand since.Lichter has achieved significant success in her professional career, winning races like Broken Arrow (setting a course record in 2022) and Speedgoat, where she placed second after taking a wrong turn. She won the 2024 Broken Arrow 46K and notably won a beer mile competition between Broken Arrow and Western States that same year.Beyond running, Lichter identifies as an artist, describing art as her "first true love". She enjoys baking, cooking, gardening, and DIY projects. Currently, Lichter is preparing to debut her first 100K race at Black Canyon, marking a step up from her established success in the 50K distance. She is sponsored by The North Face and Tailwind Nutrition and works with agent Kelly Newlon to manage her professional career.Jon chats with Jenn about:victories at Broken Arrow and other raceshow Jenn handles suffering and discomfort during races by honoring past training effortsthe role of curiosity in Jenn's approach to running and explorationrecovery from eating disorders and partnership with Tailwind nutritionapproach to authentic brand partnerships and social media presenceStay connected:Follow Jenn:https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlichter/This episode is supported by:Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!

While most professional athletes choose between excellence and everything else, what happens when you refuse to pick just one lane?Ryan Montgomery’s impressive resume includes over 50-60 ultra marathons, with 17-18 of those being 100-mile events, demonstrating their particular affinity for the longest distances the sport offers.Currently balancing a professional running career with graduate studies in strategic sales management, Ryan exemplifies the modern multi-dimensional athlete. He's also a Team Janji athlete and passionate advocate for inclusivity in trail running, organizing annual retreats for the queer running community.Jon chats with Ryan about:revisiting Ryan's running journey and ultra marathonsmind-body connection in trail runningmanaging injuries and recovery strategiesbalancing multiple professional roles successfullyLGBTQ+ advocacy in running communityStay connected:Follow Ryan:https://www.instagram.com/ultra.ryan/This episode is supported by:PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.

From cheerleader to two-time Olympian - discover the 'secret sauce' that transformed an accidental runner into a world champion.Aisha Praught Leer is a two-time Olympian and holds seven national records for Jamaica, most notably as a gold medalist in the steeplechase at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She is a founding member of Team Boss in Boulder, CO, and a community organizer, an advocate for the world's best athletes as a member of the World Athletics' Athletes Commission, and works full-time in tech. Jon chats with Aisha about:having a process vs. outcome focusthe three key elements of creating high-performing teams training and racing with elite athletes like Emma Coburn and Usain Boltthe transition to corporate work (making 150 cold calls per week)training in altitude and the local running community in BoulderStay connected:Follow Aisha:https://www.instagram.com/aishapraughtleer/This episode is supported by:Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.For November: Use code FTLR 2026 for 10% off any race for 2026. You’re not going to want to miss Boulderthon in 2026!

From faking knee pain to avoid running to coaching over 1,000 runners - Amanda Brooks knows exactly what it's like to be in the middle of the pack, because that's where most of us actually are.Amanda Brooks has been a running coach for over 13 years, working with thousands of runners to find more enjoyment in the process. She’s also known for the thousands of reviews on her site and her highly rated book, "Run to the Finish," geared towards the middle of the pack.Jon chats with Amanda about:when do you become a “real” runner?finding motivation to run when you’ve lost it (not race goals)time management strategies when running with a full time jobstereotypes that runners NEED to breakwhat Amanda considers when trying a new shoeindustry and shoe predictions for 2026Stay connected:Follow Amanda:instagram.com/runtothefinishwww.runtothefinish.comHer Book, “Run to the Finish:”https://a.co/d/i9rM7OFThis episode is supported by:PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.

At 35, Sara Vaughn was just getting started—landing her first professional contract and proving that sometimes the best chapters come when you're brave enough to rewrite the story.Sara Vaughn is mom of 4, placed 6th in the NYC Marathon in 2024, is a top American and 2X top 10 at the Chicago Marathon.Jon chats with Sara about:​living the fullest Boulder lifestyle​her marathon training structure​the winning mindset to have at the start line​post-race recovery techniques​the go-to PUMA shoes that have lead to PRsStay connected:Follow Sara:https://www.instagram.com/saravaughn_realtor/https://www.instagram.com/vaughnchildcarefund/This episode is supported by:PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance, and anyone serious about their training, with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best.AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for 10% off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.

After 21 years as a professional runner, Sara Hall reveals the mental shift that saved her career when she was ready to quit in 2009 - and why she refuses to use the 'grandma emoji' at age 42.Sara Hall is a professional distance runner for ASICS. Her personal best time for the marathon is 2:20:32 set at the Marathon Project in Chandler, Arizona on December 22, 2020, making her the third-fastest American woman in history. She is the second-fastest American woman ever to run the half marathon, running 1:07:15 on January 16, 2022–an American record at the time.Jon chats with Sara about:​her 21-year professional running career​having an identity beyond athletics​training experiences in Ethiopia and lessons learned​humanitarian work focusing on extreme poverty and the orphan crisis in Ethiopia​what’s next after her running career and how to transition to the next chapterStay connected:Follow Sara:https://www.instagram.com/sarahall3/This episode is supported by:Eternal: This episode is sponsored by Eternal: a science-backed, preventative health company offering integrated primary care, advanced testing, and personalized health planning for active people. Whether you’re chasing a PR, recovering from injury, or simply optimizing long-term health, Eternal gives you the full picture and a plan of action.AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at amazfit.com and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!Visit Leadville: So you think you know Leadville? Lake County has so much more to offer year-round than just the 100 miler in the summer. If you’re thinking of getting away, highly recommend booking a trip to Leadville to get up into the mountains, eat yummy food, and play outside. Check out more of what Leadville has to offer here!

If you don’t invest in your weaknesses now, they will haunt you down the road.This conversation originally aired on Episode 13 of Long Run Labs, my new podcast on the business of the outdoor industry.Alex is the Founder and CEO of Eternal. Before founding Eternal, Alex was the founder and CEO of The Athletic, a subscription sports media company founded in 2016. The Athletic reached 1M paid subscribers faster than any publishing company in history and sold to The New York Times in 2022 for $550M. Prior to The Athletic, Alex ran Product & Design for Strava, helping the platform go from 800 users to 10s of millions. Originally from Philadelphia, Alex lives in Presidio Heights with his wife, two kids, and golden retriever. Jon chats with Alex about:​Alex's Journey as a Runner and Endurance Athlete​Building Strava's Growth and Community​The Athletic's Creation and Success Story​Founding Eternal and Its Mission​Leadership Philosophy and Team BuildingStay connected:Follow Alex:https://x.com/amatherhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alexemather/This episode is supported by:​Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!​Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!​Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Eternal just added PCP capabilities for those in NY and CA to answer the question of, “so, does this mean you’re my doctor?”​PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!​AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at amazfit.com and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.

Sometimes the hardest race isn't 100 miles through the mountains - it's figuring out who you are when everything in your life changes.Amanda is a professional trail runner and endurance coach with a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University. She has coached endurance athletes for 10 years in everything from 5k - 200 miles. She is an Oregonian originally and now lives and trains in Colorado. Amanda ran collegiately for a couple years and then got into road marathons. It wasn’t until 2014 that she discovered trail running after an injury from pounding the pavement. Amanda was instantly hooked and jumped into the ultra scene. She’s very competitive so she made it a goal to become an elite trail runner. She accomplished that goal in 2015 and won the 50 mile USATF Trail Championships as her first race as a professional. After that, she traveled the world and raced as many of the top trail races as she could, including Western States 100, UTMB, CCC, Tarawera and Ultra Trail Capetown.Jon chats with Amanda about:Struggling with imposter syndrome as a professional runnerSports psychology workMoving from ultra volume to speed work and shorter distancesBalancing professional obligations with family lifeRedefining success and moving beyond performance metricsStay connected:Follow Amanda:https://www.instagram.com/amanda_basham/Amanda’s Website:https://www.amandabasham.com/This episode is supported by:Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at amazfit.com and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.