For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Roberta Groner is a mother, nurse, and runner who loves to challenge herself in all aspects of life. In this episode we talk about: -getting into running for the challenges and friendships -shifting from high school miler to masters marathoner -rediscovering running in adulthood -crazy progressions later in life -balancing different hats -chasing World Records -playing the long game and loving the process -being a single mom -prioritizing family vs all in on running -consistent routines in running and life -“oh sh*t” moment when life happens -reaching new limits and setting personal bests as a masters runner -staying present and giving your best today -ultra running and new challenges -ultra training in cities without trail access -shifting mindsets and goals throughout life -mind games in tough moments -the closeness of the running community -taking risks and having no regrets -doing the hard right not the easy wrong Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit https://www.tracksmith.com/collections/for-the-long-run to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you

Henry Howard is a father, husband, runner, professional editor and writer, and running coach. In this episode we talk about: -getting into running in his 40s -from struggling to run 1 mile to finishing 26.2 -chasing adventures and challenges as we age -finding trail and ultra running -the allure of Western States Endurance Run -preparing for big challenges -building habits and making them automatic -consistency cause and effect -visualizing success -breaking free from goal times and numbers -focusing on the process and trying your best -buy in and trust in your coach and training -success is growing the sport and giving back -increasing representation in marathon and ultra running through coaching scholarships -sharing the journey and inspiring others -the role of coaching and community -Run Spirited Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you.

Back by popular demand, we celebrate Episode 200 with multiple time repeat guest, David Roche! David is a running coach, life-confidant, mentor and general tailwind for a bunch of people. In this episode we talk about: -being a tailwind -the why behind the podcast -key takeaways from the last 200 episodes -translating lessons from running into life -the weight of story telling -the future of For The Long Run -staying open to growth and curiosity -handling criticism and negative comments -not being afraid to be authentic and speak your truth -farting around and not taking life too seriously -removing pressure and expectation -coaching with unconditional support -hill strides -coach-athlete relationships and the human condition -more to life than running -choosing happiness and bringing energy -imposter syndrome -plus a lot of tangents and laughs! Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you!

Kelly Roberts, she/ her, is a 32 year old entrepreneur, YouTuber, podcaster, running coach and jokester. She is on a mission to help others ditch diet culture and finding community and fun. In this episode we talk about: -building community -running through grief and difficult emotions -overtraining, disordered eating and diet culture -Kelly’s first half marathon experience -running to overcome life’s obstacles -the love-hate relationship with running -learning about training and pacing -feeling accomplished and proud of your effort -the journey to qualifying for Boston (and failing) -achieving goals enjoying the process along the way -working through pre-defined limits and the stories we tell ourselves -more to running than the marathon -taking time off for mental health -the loneliness of injuries -the Badass Lady Gang and friendships beyond running -unpacking deep thoughts and inner demons -the human experience: similarities between elites and amateurs -dating and forming romantic relationships -body image resilience -sports bra squad and running representation at all sizes Thank you to Tracksmith and Goodr for sponsoring this episode! I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will contribute towards this donation! Goodr has the slickest shades around, for only $25 and $35. They don’t slip or bounce, and stay on my face way better than more expensive sunglasses.  If you’d like to support me and the show, treat yourself to a pair (or two or three) of Goodr and head over to Goodr.com and get 15% off your entire order with the code FTLR. That’s 15% off at goodr.com and code FTLR. Your face will thank you.

Courtney Frerichs is a perfectionist by nature, a professional runner for Nike Bowerman Track Club and Olympic silver medallist in the steeplechase. In this episode we talk about: -running for something bigger than yourself -being part of a team -keeping training fun -the importance of process and non-performance related goals -executing the present moment -consistency and staying healthy -reaching out and seeking professional help -normalizing therapy and mental work -dealing with pressure, perfectionism, panic and anxiety -mental growth preceding physical growth -addressing mental and physical injuries -specific mindset strategies to improve performance -belonging on the track -Courtney’s roller-coaster road to the 2021 Olympic Games -being your best self -taking risks and putting yourself out there -mental prehab: being proactive rather than reactive   -constantly being a work in progress -the importance of nutrition and taking care of yourself Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you. Episode cover photo: Cortney White

Dean Karnazes is a lifelong runner, author and explorer of all 7 continents. In this episode we talk about: -running through all different life stages -running being fate -magic in misery and struggle -finding ultra running in the 1990s -a 30 year evolution of trail and ultra running -racing to explore rather than to win -adventures on foot and around the world -300+ marathons, 48hours on a treadmill and more epic endurance feats -the mental hurdle and finding flow -staying engaged and taking in the scenery -being uncomfortable yet persisting -longevity and relevance in the running world -success being fulfilling potential -staying curious and moving forward -making a lasting impact on the world -being a better animal Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith released their fall collection, which was designed to  celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud  to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your  order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll  also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to  finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my  grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s  support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces,  and all orders that start from that page will contribute towards this  donation! Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own  running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who  got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running. In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and  your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I  got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and  tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward. Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited  free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you

Jimmy Picard is a husband and new father, PT, coach and runner. In this episode we talk about: -committing to running in high school -the D1 collegiate running experience -running hard every day vs taking easy days easy -training errors and common running mistakes -running injuries -falling out of love with running -becoming a PT -stepping away from running and getting into bike racing -losing the competitive running identity and finding joy again -addiction and obsession -injury diagnoses and misconceptions -treating patients with reassurance -the stories we tell ourselves around injuries -overcoming chronic injury cycles -getting runners back running -load management and training adaptations -strength training for runners -lifting heavy to build strength -redefine PT Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders that start from that page will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you

Eric is a former architect and current triathlete, in recovery from a traumatic brain injury. In this episode we talk about: -falling in love with triathlon -his career ending cycling accident -mental and physical trauma recovery -coping mechanisms -life after a traumatic brain injury -compensating for blind spots and memory loss -the importance of preparation and anticipation -loosing your job due to disability -hidden disabilities and suffering in silence -understanding, empathy and community -developing and practicing gratitude -unconditional support and karma -bringing awareness to brain injuries and mental health -success being relative and subjective Thank you to Tracksmith and Goodr for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith recently released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders that start from that page will contribute towards this donation!  Goodr has the slickest shades around, for only $25 and $35. They don’t slip or bounce, and stay on my face way better than more expensive sunglasses.  If you’d like to support me and the show, treat yourself to a pair (or two or three) of Goodr and head over to Goodr.com and get 15% off your entire order with the code FTLR. That’s 15% off at goodr.com and code FTLR. Your face will thank you.

Stevie Smith is a proud dog mom to Chance, small business owner of Stevie Lyn Nutrition, registered sports dietitian, multi sport athlete and autoimmune warrior. In this episode we talk about: -Stevie’s background in team sports -catching the running bug as an adult -dealing with injuries -jumping in big endurance events early -the power of support and community spirit -Ironman triathlons and ultra-marathons -being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis -identity as an athlete with a chronic autoimmune condition -readjusting goalposts and finding silver linings -working with your body, not pushing against it -pulling back when training stops being fun -Stevie’s work helping athletes with their nutrition -showing up and supporting others in running and in life -action over inertia: no such things as “the right time” -done is better than perfect -nutrition myth busting: lighter is not faster, thinner is not better -working for yourself and owning your own business Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith recently released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders that start from that page will contribute towards this donation! Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running. In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward. Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you

Nick Willis is a 38-year old kid at heart, from a small town in New Zealand. A lifelong athlete, physical activity is a feature now in his roles as a father, husband and employee. In this episode we talk about: -the social side of running -growing up in New Zealand playing every sport -moving to the US to run in college -experiencing the Olympics first as a fan and then as an athlete -varying the training -longevity in elite athletics -breaking 4 minutes in the mile for 20 consecutive years -Tracksmith New Year’s Eve Gala and the Midnight Mile -social media and marketing in sport -being relatable and sharing what’s real -being a team player at Tracksmith -thoughts on trail and ultra running -balancing ambitious goals with opportunity costs -community -faith and discipline in running and life -contentment and gratitude -overcoming nerves and injuries with gratitude and opportunity In this episode, we discussed Tracksmith's Midnight Mile and New Year's Eve Gala. Since recording and due to the rise of COVID cases in NYC, this event is no longer open to the public for safety reasons.  Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith recently released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders that start from that page will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you!