For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Nikki Long is a girl with a dog and a truck and a passion for finding meaning and adventure in the world. She also runs competitively with the Raleigh Distance Project in North Carolina. In this episode we talked about: -her journey as a runner through college and post collegiately -joining the Raleigh Distance Project and what that meant to her -building community through this team and connections -what she wants to bring to the team and get out of the team -“the only way is through” -her injury recovery process and rebuilding her dream -rediscovering her ability to dream -through hiking -and so much more! This episode is brought to you by KINeSYS. It’s sunscreen, just better.   May is skin cancer awareness month and given that skin cancer runs in my family, I’m proud to partner with and share KINeSYS with you. Now that I’m up in the mountains of Colorado, skin care and sun protection is more important than ever especially with summer just around the corner.   Their sunscreen spray makes application simple, and there’s no scent or fragrance either! It’s different than any sunscreen you’ve tried and so light you won’t even feel you’re wearing it. Grab 15% off at kinesysactive.com (or kinesysactive.ca in Canada) with the code FTLR! This episode is also brought to you by SuperCoffee; the healthy, delicious alternative to sugary coffee drinks.  Their coffees contain zero sugar and many of them contain 10g of plant based protein. They’re growing in popularity in the running community and I’m excited to share a special discount with you. They offer a 60 day money back guarantee, meaning if you don’t love it, you get your money back. No questions asked. Grab 15% off online with the code FTLR or look for them nationwide in 25,000 stores like Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, Kroger and CVS.

Patrick Lemieux is Gwen's husband or Stanley's dad, as he describes it. He's also a sports agent focused mostly on cyclists, and a high level cyclist himself. In this episode, we talked about: -his entry into agent/representation life -sponsorship in the year of COVID -his own experience as a cyclist -balancing family/work/play -social media and storytelling -the intersection of performance and social media -women in sport and motherhood -what he’s excited for in 2021 -his expectations for the Olympics -tips for pro athletes on social media -and so much more! Follow along with Patrick at https://www.instagram.com/patrick_lemieux Thanks to beam for sponsoring this episode of the podcast. As the days start to warm up and get longer, a cool down routine in the evening becomes even more important.  Did you know you can get a subscription to beam’s dream powder? It’s what I use most nights before bed to help with a refreshing night’s sleep. When you subscribe, you’ll get the dream blend with a bunch of perks like even better pricing, free shipping, a free mug, and a drink frother just for signing up. Dream helps me wind down at night and it’s made with compounds like melatonin and magnesium that support a better night’s sleep. Make sure to use code FTLR at checkout for an extra 15% off on top of the 20% discounted monthly rate!

Stephanie Howe is a trail and mountain runner for The North Face, with a PhD in Nutrition and Exercise science, and a very cute and happy four month old baby boy. In this episode, we talked about: -her return to the pod!  -the changes in her life since our last run together, exactly two years ago -how running helped set her up for success when life got challenging -how to persevere and stay in control -the shift in perspective that being a new mom has had -her 2021 training goals -what success means to her -a bit about altitude and her research -finding happiness and joy -and so much more! Follow along with her adventures at instagram.com/stephaniemariehowe This episode is brought to you by SuperCoffee; the healthy, delicious alternative to sugary coffee drinks.  SuperCoffee was recently named the fastest growing food and beverage brand in America by Inc Magazine, and after tasting a bunch of their flavors, I can see why.  Their coffees contain zero sugar and many of them contain 10g of plant based protein. They’re growing in popularity in the running community and I’m excited to share a special discount with you. They offer a 60 day money back guarantee, meaning if you don’t love it, you get your money back. No questions asked. Grab 15% off online with the code FTLR or look for them nationwide in 25,000 stores like Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, Kroger and CVS.

Yuri Hauswald is the elite athlete manager at GU Energy Labs, a husband, writer at Peloton Magazine, pro gravel racer, and ifit trainer. In this episode, we talked about: -getting into riding -his background in education and transition to the endurance world -taking the leap -networking into a job you love -riding long distances -what community means to him -how his perspective on the sport has evolved -his relationship with being a pro athlete -and so much more! Follow along with Yuri’s adventures at instagram.com/yhauswald Thanks again to beam for sponsoring this episode of the podcast. As the days start to warm up and get longer, a cool down routine in the evening becomes even more important.  Did you know you can get a subscription to beam’s dream powder? It’s what I use most nights before bed to help with a refreshing night’s sleep. When you subscribe, you’ll get the dream blend with a bunch of perks like even better pricing, free shipping, a free mug, and a drink frother just for signing up. Dream helps me wind down at night and it’s made with compounds like melatonin and magnesium that support a better night’s sleep. Make sure to use code FTLR at checkout for an extra 15% off on top of the 20% discounted monthly rate!

Sasha Wolff is a wife and mother of two (soon to be three), a runner, mental health advocate, and communications specialist for a furniture company. In this episode, we talked about: -her first mile -the intersection of running and mental health -why she started Still I Run -the resources it provides -how running impacts her mental health, and vice versa -defining success -goals in 2022 and beyond -how to get started in taking control of mental health -and so much more! This episode is brought to you by SuperCoffee; the healthy, delicious alternative to sugary coffee drinks.  SuperCoffee was recently named the fastest growing food and beverage brand in America by Inc Magazine, and after tasting a bunch of their flavors, I can see why.  Their coffees contain zero sugar and many of them contain 10g of plant based protein. They’re growing in popularity in the running community and I’m excited to share a special discount with you. They offer a 60 day money back guarantee, meaning if you don’t love it, you get your money back. No questions asked. Grab 15% off online with the code FTLR or look for them nationwide in 25,000 stores like Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, Kroger and CVS.

Erin Bailey is a marketer for beam, a runner, fitness enthusiast and coach, a writer writing her first book, and a cat mom! In this episode we talked about: -Erin’s start in fitness -working at beam/the startup world -evolving from a coach to an athlete to a writer and more -why she loves coaching -getting her own coach -imposter syndrome -her mission -building community -her goals -a big scary goal of mine -writing a book -and so much more! Follow along with Erin’s journey at https://www.instagram.com/erin.k.bailey/ Thanks again to beam for sponsoring this episode of the podcast. As the days start to warm up and get longer, a cool down routine in the evening becomes even more important. Did you know you can get a subscription to beam’s dream powder? It’s what I use most nights before bed to help with a refreshing night’s sleep. When you subscribe, you’ll get the dream blend with a bunch of perks like even better pricing, free shipping, a free mug, and a drink frother just for signing up. Dream helps me wind down at night and it’s made with compounds like melatonin and magnesium that support a better night’s sleep. Make sure to use code FTLR at checkout for an extra 15% off on top of the 20% discounted monthly rate!

Shawanna White is a positive person, a runner, PE teacher, and a caring person.  In this episode, we talked about:  -getting started as a runner -big crazy dreams -why she’s inspired by kids -what success means to her  -what it’s like to be the 6th fastest US-born Black marathoner -diversity in the sport and her role as a faster runner -why she’s a coach -gratitude  -and so much more! Follow along with Shawanna’s journey at instagram.com/peachrunner26.2 This episode is brought to you by SuperCoffee; the healthy, delicious alternative to sugary coffee drinks.  SuperCoffee was recently named the fastest growing food and beverage brand in America by Inc Magazine, and after tasting a bunch of their flavors, I can see why.  Their coffees contain zero sugar and many of them contain 10g of plant based protein. They’re growing in popularity in the running community and I’m excited to share a special discount with you. They offer a 60 day money back guarantee, meaning if you don’t love it, you get your money back. No questions asked. Grab 15% off online with the code FTLR or look for them nationwide in 25,000 stores like Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, Kroger and CVS.

Ali Feller is the host of the Ali on the Run Show, a freelance writer and editor, a mom, wife, and someone who is really just excited about life. In this episode, we talked about: -Ali’s first few runs to the dog park and back -why she kept running -the feeling of her first race -why she got into podcasting -some of the takeaways from 300+ episodes -self acceptance and what she’d tell her younger self -her goals for her daughter -making a career of running and podcasting -and so much more! Thanks to Beam for sponsoring this episode of the podcast. beam is a CBD company that’s making waves in the running world by offering products that combine THC-free CBD with other high-quality ingredients. It was founded by two ex-professional athletes with the idea that everyone should have the chance to experience what better feels like. Whether you’re sore or stressed, beam is key for recovery and self-care. Visit beamtlc.com and use the code FTLR for 15% off and let me know what you think. I suggest the dream powder or focus capsules! Follow along with Ali's adventures at instagram.com/aliontherun1 and her podcast, Ali on the Run!

Joe Holder is the founder of The Ocho System, a Nike Master Trainer, run coach, consultant and writer, out here trying to use his skill set to apply it to as many places as possible. In this episode we talked about: -getting into health and fitness -using his gifts to help others -why he believes helping just one person is worth it -“you’re gonna have to do weird shit” -falling in love with your idiosyncrasies -three main stressors to manage -balancing hard work and recovery -his nutritional beliefs, grounded in science and self-experimentation -long term success -goals and his mission -the meaning of life -and so much more Follow along with Joe’s journey at instagram.com/ochosystem This episode is brought to you by SuperCoffee; the healthy, delicious alternative to sugary coffee drinks. SuperCoffee was recently named the fastest growing food and beverage brand in America by Inc Magazine, and after tasting a bunch of their flavors, I can see why. Their coffees contain zero sugar and many of them contain 10g of plant based protein. They’re growing in popularity in the running community and I’m excited to share a special discount with you. They offer a 60 day money back guarantee, meaning if you don’t love it, you get your money back. No questions asked. Grab 15% off online with the code FTLR or look for them nationwide in 25,000 stores like Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, Kroger and CVS.

Marni Salup is a wellness minded athlete, yogi and entrepreneur. She’s also an explorer, adventurer and has a curiosity and passion for life.  In this episode, we talked about: -her own podcast, Marni on the Move -becoming an entrepreneur  -her training goals and progress in 2020/2021 -top takeaways from her own podcasting -what success means to her -a failure and where it led  -meditation and mindfulness -and much more! Follow along with Marni’s adventures at instagram.com/marnionthemove and her podcast, Marni on the Move!