For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Jonathan Levitt
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Oct 3, 2025 • 48min

Randi Zuckerberg's Journey to Main Character Energy: From Silicon Valley Sidekick to 250-Mile Finisher

Is it better to be well-lopsided or well-balanced?Randi Zuckerberg is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, media personality, and endurance athlete who embodies a "portfolio approach to life." Currently serving as a radio host, investor, entrepreneur, author, and mother, Randi has built a diverse career spanning technology, media, and athletics.Jon chats with Randi about:Her background in Silicon ValleyManaging the pain caveBreaking age/gender stereotypesApplying business thinking to race planning and problem-solvingPreparing to run Cocodona 250 again and other future racesStay connected:Follow Randi:https://www.instagram.com/randizuckerberg/https://www.linkedin.com/in/randizuckerbergThis 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!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.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.
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Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 9min

Your Leadville Tourism Guide with Adam Ducharme

What happens when a mining town of 40,000 people shrinks to just 2,700 overnight, and then reinvents itself as one of America's most authentic mountain destinations? Today we're talking with Adam Ducharme about Leadville's incredible transformation from boom-and-bust mining to endurance sports mecca.Adam Ducharme’s tourism journey started early; he was born in the Silver Lake Motel on Cape Cod and was helping check in guests and change sheets before he could tie his shoes. Now based in Leadville, Colorado, the highest incorporated city in America, Adam brings that lifelong passion for people and places to the Top of the Rockies. As the Tourism and Economic Development Director for Lake County, he focuses on building community trust, supporting local businesses, championing Destination Stewardship, and helping shape a resilient, thriving future for this treasured region. Adam lives in Leadville with his two awesome kids, Ayla and James. When he’s not working to make Leadville and Twin Lakes even more welcoming, you’ll probably find him chasing type-two fun, exploring the outdoors, and proving that the best adventures usually come with a little grit.Jon chats with Adam about:The History of Leadville and Creation of Race SeriesTourism & Economic DevelopmentEssentials When Visiting LeadvilleInfrastructure & AmenitiesStay connected:Visit Leadville:https://www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/https://www.instagram.com/visitleadville/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!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.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.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.
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Sep 19, 2025 • 58min

Treadmill to Leadville: Pierce Showe on Breaking Records and Breaking Barriers

What if you accomplished everything you wanted, but still felt empty?Pierce Showe is in the business of extreme discipline — a language spoken by the world’s top performers. He spent the early part of his career as the right hand to Super Bowl champion Steve Weatherford before stepping fully into his calling as a faith-driven endurance athlete and coach.He’s completed multiple 100- and 200-mile ultramarathons, an Ironman, and an Ultraman — pushing human limits with grit, purpose, and an unshakable faith in God. Most recently, Pierce broke the Guinness World Record for most consecutive treadmill half-marathons (153 days) to raise awareness for healthier school meals and the broken food system in America.While Pierce’s faith is central to his life and message, his experiences and insights resonate with both faith-based and secular audiences. Whether speaking to entrepreneurs, athletes, or personal growth communities, he tailors each conversation to inspire action, build discipline, and help listeners push past their perceived limits.Today, he helps high-achieving entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday athletes run the race set before them — physically, mentally, and spiritually — through the same principles of discipline, consistency, and faith that have shaped his life.Jon chats with Pierce about:How Faith Grounds Pierce in Life, Running, and BusinessHow he broke a Guiness World RecordHis second time running the Leadville 100His passion for addressing problems with the US Food SystemHis Locked-In Mental Approach to Succeed in RacesStay connected:Follow Pierce:Instagram: instagram.com/pierceshoweYouTube: youtube.com/@pierceshoweWebsite: www.runyourrace.comThis episode is supported by: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.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.Pike’s Peak: Mark your calendars for September 19-21, 2025 for coverage of the Pike’s Peak Ascent and Marathon. Join us in-person or follow along on the For The Long Run Youtube channel!Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. ⁠Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase. 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.
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Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 21min

Grand Traverse Race Recap and Career Updates with Emily Holland

What happens when you quit your corporate job, go all-in on entrepreneurship, and decide to run 40 miles through the Colorado mountains? Today we're diving into how major life changes and epic trail adventures go hand in hand.Having recently ran the Grand Traverse race with Emily, we dive into the details of the race experience, as well as other exciting life/career updates since Emily was last on the podcast in January.Jon chats with Emily about:​Life Updates and New Ventures​Grand Traverse Race Logistics and Challenges​Pacing, Low Points, and the Final Miles​Future Plans and ReflectionsStay connected:Follow Emily:https://www.instagram.com/emilylaurelholland/My Membership Community:findmyhuddle.comThis episode is supported by:PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!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.Pike’s Peak: Mark your calendars for September 19-21, 2025 for coverage of the Pike’s Peak Ascent and Marathon. Join us in-person or follow along on the For The Long Run Youtube channel!Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off half marathon or FTLR5 for $5 off the 5k/10k when you register at www.boulderthon.org.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!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.
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Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 12min

Your Guide to Performance Nutrition and Blocking Out the Noise with Kelsey Bailey

Most endurance athletes are making the same critical fueling mistake. Let’s learn how to avoid it so you can perform the best.Kelsey Bailey is the lead Performance Dietitian for Eternal, a company providing high performance, personalized healthcare to athletes. She spent 8 years with Special Operations and is also a consulting Performance Dietitian within the tactical space of military, fire, and police. Her areas of specialty include understanding the unique demands of today’s world on the body to keep people healthy, thriving and performing throughout their life. She also has a vested interest in endurance sport, allostatic load, traumatic brain injury, fertility, environmental exposures, and gastrointestinal health. She lives in Denver with her husband and three rambunctious little boys.Jon chats with Kelsey about:Kelsey's Military Background and Roles as a Dietitian and MotherTransition to Working with Pro Sports (Baseball/Hockey)Current Focus on Women's Health and Endurance AthleticsNutrition Fundamentals That Shape Your HealthNavigating Social Media MisinformationHow Eternal’s Services Can Help Guide You on Your Health JourneyStay connected:Follow Kelsey:https://www.instagram.com/bwellcolorado/This episode is supported by: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.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!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.PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!
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Aug 29, 2025 • 54min

Use This Mentality to Get Through Injury: Annie Frisbie on How to Achieve Your Running Goals

Don’t fall into the comparison trap as a runner!Annie Frisbie is a professional runner for Puma and Minnesota Distance Elite. She trains with her team in Minneapolis and lives with her boyfriend and two dogs. Jon chats with Annie about:• Annie’s Training Mindset for Success• What Makes a Good Running Shoe?• Race Fueling & Nutrition Strategy• How to Get Back on Your Feet After an Injury• Evaluating the Current Running SceneStay connected:Follow Annie on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/anniefrisb3?igsh=MWFveWh3eXV0aDZvOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrThis episode is supported by:Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!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!Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. ⁠Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase. 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.
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Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 7min

More Than a Race: UTMB Founders Michel and Catherine Poletti Discuss the Trail Running Boom

If you’ve ever considered running a global race series like UTMB, learn from the founders on why it’s so much more than a race.Jon sits down with Michel and Catherine Poletti, the founders of the UTMB race series. They share their journey of starting and growing UTMB, along with essential business insights for organizing races. You won’t want to miss the philosophy that has been the foundation of their success.Jon chats with Michel and Catherine about:Early Challenges and Growth of UTMBExpansion and SustainabilityThe Global Trail Running BoomPartnership with IronmanMaintaining Control and Expanding GloballyBalancing Business and Community ValuesStay Connected:Follow UTMB on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/utmbworldseries/?hl=enUTMB’S Website:https://utmb.world/This episode is supported by: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.Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!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.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.
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Aug 15, 2025 • 47min

How Reid Burrows Prioritizes Mental Health as a Professional Trail Runner

What does it mean to TRULY be grateful for running and life?Reid Burrows grew up in the small town of Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick, Canada. His endurance background is in the sport of triathlon. Upon leaving the pursuit of triathlon and chasing the Olympic dream, he fell in love with the trails and haven’t looked back since. In February of 2022, Reid quit his full-time job to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time professional trail runner. By the end of 2022, he was picked up by Merrell with his first professional contract. Reid currently lives and trains out of Leadville, Colorado. Jon chats with Reid about:Reid's Journey to LeadvilleInspiration from Rob KrarThe Importance of Story-Driven BrandsNavigating Government and Contract PressuresLiving and Training at High AltitudeStay connected:Follow Reid on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/reidburrows/This episode is supported by:Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. ⁠Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase. 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.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Go to tifosioptics.com and use code “HAPPY35” at checkout to save 35% (only on 8/15/25 until midnight PT). Otherwise, you can use code “FTLR2025” to save 20% anytime.Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!
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Aug 8, 2025 • 46min

Nature is for Everyone - Breaking Trail Running Stereotypes with Vivek Gowri

Let's break down what is so special about trail running and why more people need to experience it.Vivek Gowri is a Product Manager at NVIDIA, where he leads initiatives in gaming and AI hardware. When he’s not shaping the future of tech, he’s out on the trails as a dedicated runner and advocate for diversity in the outdoor space. He brings a thoughtful perspective to the intersection of technology, endurance sports, and inclusion — bridging innovation with impact on and off the trail.Jon chats with Vivek about:Trail Running and the November ProjectBuilding a Diverse Running CommunityInclusivity and Accessibility in Trail RunningInvesting in Running BusinessesThe Intersection of Tech and RunningTrail Running Innovations and EventsStay connected:Vivek on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekgowri/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!PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!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.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.Eternal: Our newest partner and a company I'm also consulting for! 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.
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Aug 1, 2025 • 43min

Laying the Foundation for Your Nutritional Health with Dietitian, Rachael Wade

Are you laying the right foundation for your nutritional health?Rachael (Reddy) Wade is a runner, mom of two, and founder of Rx Nutrition. She ran for the University of Alabama, earned gold medals at the Pan American Games and USA Championships, and now helps others fuel for performance and life. As a registered dietitian with a doctoral degree in Public Health, Rachael specializes in sports nutrition, women’s health, and disordered eating. Whether she’s chasing her kids, counseling clients, or training for her next competition, Rachael is all about the long run — literally and figuratively.Jon chats with Rachael about:Transition to CrossFit and Hybrid TrainingResearch on Mental Health and NutritionNavigating Nutrition AdviceWomen's Health and Disordered EatingBalancing Life and EntrepreneurshipStay connected:Follow Rachael on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rachaelwade_/Rx Nutrition Website:https://www.rxnutritioncounseling.com/Rachael's business Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rxnutritioncounseling/This episode is supported by: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.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!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.

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