

For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running
Jonathan Levitt
Exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated. Running is a sport that has the power to unite us all and we are here to share conversations about how running has shaped the lives of people within our community, as well as how running has created community in itself.
From pro runners and Olympians to ultramarathoners running their first big race to business owners who use running to improve their entrepreneurial journey, we believe in creating community and expanding the running world for all.
Hosted by running enthusiast, Jonathan Levitt.
From pro runners and Olympians to ultramarathoners running their first big race to business owners who use running to improve their entrepreneurial journey, we believe in creating community and expanding the running world for all.
Hosted by running enthusiast, Jonathan Levitt.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 28, 2022 • 49min
Courtney Frerichs: Mental Growth leads to Physical Growth
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

Jan 21, 2022 • 47min
Dean Karnazes: Lessons Learned from 30 Years of Trail Running
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

Jan 14, 2022 • 49min
196. Jimmy Picard: Getting back to healthy training
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

Jan 7, 2022 • 49min
195. Eric Esposito: Understanding, Empathy, and Community
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.

Dec 31, 2021 • 54min
194. Stevie Smith: Identity and growth as an athlete and business owner
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

Dec 24, 2021 • 51min
193. Nick Willis: Longevity as a runner
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!

Dec 17, 2021 • 1h
192. Jake Tuber: The Psychology of Performance
Jake Tuber returns for round two! Jake is a dad, husband, guy in his mid-30s, doctoral candidate and professor, founder of Endeavorun, injured runner and self-described overly sarcastic/ serious goofball.
In this episode we talk about:
-Endeavorun, a training retreat for everyday athletes
-the corkscrew of life
-failing forward and spiralling upwards
-the progression-plateau cycle of training and life
-learning from injuries
-the role of coaches to facilitate athletes’ transformations
-the mental side of running
-unpacking the running identity
-life and death on the run
-peak performance psychology
-pacing and mid-race self talk
-managing adversity and negative thoughts
-psychological strategies for running success
-chunking up races and training
-reframing expectations
-preparing for race day in training
-pre-race anxiety types: levellers and sharpeners
-personalized help to improve performance at Endeavorun
-upcoming Endeavorun Retreat in Austin in February
Use code FORTHELONGRUN for $150 off the Endeavorun Austin Retreat.
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

Dec 10, 2021 • 52min
191. Matt Chittim: The Rambling Runner
Matt is a running podcaster, running coach, lover of sports, father, husband, and proud masters runner.
In this episode we talk about:
-starting a podcast
-evolving the interview process
-staying true to a mission and to Matt’s core audience of amateur athletes
-the world of running podcasts
-taking risks and betting on yourself
-being a full-time podcaster and run coach
-being self-employed and parenting through the pandemic
-finding financial stability while working for yourself and handling future uncertainty
-side gigs and supplementing your income
-competing in and coaching collegiate basketball
-Matt’s journey with running and athletics
-unfinished business with the marathon
-Matt’s upcoming race at CIM
-measures of success
This podcast is brought to you by Freedom Solar and Recover Athletics.
Freedom Solar is the company I am using to go solar on my house.
When I first started looking into solar, I thought it would be a clunky and expensive process. Freedom Solar walked me through the economics of it, where if you choose financing, you can potentially be up $50 a month, every month, starting the day you turn your system on.
With no downpayment required, solar not only ads value to your home and is great for the environment, but allows you to save money from day one.
Freedom Solar operates in Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and Florida, but there are plenty of other great options nationwide. The buying process was fascinating and so eye opening, and I wanted to pay my learnings forward. If you’re curious, message me on Instagram or Twitter, and I’d be happy to help you get in contact with some great resources!
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. You can get it on the app store right now by searching "Recover Athletics" or click the link in the show notes. If you like it and want to upgrade, their premium subscription costs less than one trip to a PT. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you

Dec 3, 2021 • 51min
190. Jess Broderick: Finding fulfilment and joy in the process and people
Jess Broderick is a runner, family girl, very passionate friend and a coach. Without any of those labels, Jess defines herself as “joy”.
In this episode we talk about:
-choosing joyful places and settling in Boulder
-Jess’s professional triathlete career
-helping other people achieve their goals
-mental health in athletics
-taking a step back from sport to prioritize mental health
-finding fulfilment
-retiring from elite athletics
-coaching and giving back to the community
-team success outweighing individual glory
-the impact of different stresses on running
-dealing with loss and heavy emotions
-doing hard things and preserving through the lows
-being vulnerable and leaning on support
-running for more than PRs and fast times
-learning from the struggle
-putting yourself out there and taking risks
-valuing relationships
-dreaming bigger and the influence of the people around you
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!
Summer may have come and gone but Goodr still 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.

Nov 26, 2021 • 52min
189. Sara Manderscheid: Filling up your cup and spreading joy
Sara Manderscheid is a sister, daughter, dog mom, an adventurer and lover of life who also runs and coaches runners.
In this episode we talk about:
-discovering running as an adult
-staying true and betting on yourself
-challenging fears and opening yourself up to success
-the Boulder running community
-finding flow and fun on the run
-coaching others versus coaching yourself
-going big and exploring your potential
-living authentically with no regrets
-prioritizing the coach-athlete relationship
-filling up your cup and spreading joy
-small steps gaining momentum
-consistency with the process
-questioning you why
-the people you surround yourself with
-chasing big goals with fun first
-running for the love of it
This episode is brought to you by Tracksmith and Goodr.
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