

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

Mar 9, 2021 • 55min
148. Ashley Brasovan: More buckets of happiness than just running
Ashley Brasovan is a runner, friend, community member, and an environmentalist focused on climate change.
In this episode, we talked about:
-Struggling to define herself as a runner post collegiately
-running since 6th or 7th grade
-having bone issues and overcoming those injuries
-hearing that she might not run again
-getting to “rock bottom” and then coming back
-her passion for the environment
-things that runners (and everyone) can do to help the environment
-having “more buckets of happiness than just running”
-her definition of success
-pacing at Project Carbon X2
-and much more!
Follow along with Ashley’s adventures at instagram.com/ashley_brasovan
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!
Cover photo: Hoka One One

Mar 5, 2021 • 51min
147. Rajpaul Pannu: A byproduct of consistency
Rajpaul Pannu is a first generation Indian American, born in Los Angeles County. He’s a runner that’s just trying to get it all together in this day and age (aren’t we all?!).
In this episode we talked about:
-his first few runs and setting a goal of a 6:20 mile in school
-his progression into ultra running
-HOKA Project Carbon X2
-why he loves road ultras
-reading The War of Art
-meditation and gratitude
-balance
-consistency
-what success means to him
-how the pandemic has helped his running
-being a first generation American
-representation in the trail and ultra world
-having the best hair on the start line
-and much more!
Follow along with Rajpaul’s adventures at instagram.com/lightningraj
Cover photo by Melissa Ruse Photography

Mar 1, 2021 • 58min
146. Emily Infeld: "We all have struggles and that's ok"
Emily Infeld is a cat mom, a runner, foodie, and a passionate person who loves to laugh. She also runs professionally for the Bowerman Track Club.
In this episode we talked about:
-getting into running and realizing she was good
-the injury/recovery cycle
-injury frustrations
-staying mentally strong
-the unknown
-support from her teammates and coaches
-setting intentions
-daily gratitude
-mental health and normalizing it
-“it’s ok to ask for help”
-“we all have struggles and that’s ok”
-defining success
-and much more!
Follow along with Emily’s journey at https://www.instagram.com/emilyinfeld
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!
Cover photo: Cortney White

Feb 23, 2021 • 51min
145. Karis Jochen: "What's Your Passion?"
Karis Jochen is a runner and grad student getting her masters in data analytics, and in “the soul” she is a lifelong learner and pursuer of all passions.
In this episode, we talked about:
-her start with running
-“running is the ultimate teacher of life”
-happiness not being the same thing as joy
-fear and how it is a construct
-her role as a data scientist
-not running during the pandemic
-life passions
-what she’d do without running
-“you are enough”
-and so much more!
Follow along with Karis’ adventures at instagram.com/karisjochen
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!

Feb 20, 2021 • 59min
144. Brianna Sacks: Ultra running and ultra reporting
Brianna Sacks is a runner and journalist for BuzzFeed living in Denver, Colorado.
In this episode we talked about:
-her reporting at BuzzFeed
-some of the national events she’s covered in the last year
-getting interested in running
-how we met, which is my favorite part about the trail community
-Rob Krar
-Justin Grunewald’s birthday run in November 2019
-donuts
-getting comfortable being uncomfortable
-getting over hurdles in her own body and being
-therapy and mental health
-her recent FKT
-and much more!

Feb 17, 2021 • 1h 3min
143. Chris Chavez: Goal chasing and storytelling
Chris Chavez is a writer for Sports Illustrated, a runner, and founder of Citius Mag.
In this episode, we talked about:
-podcasting
-his journey into journalism
-running for the Brooklyn Track Club
-his own running goals
-the evolving sponsorship model in running
-sports media
-how he got started with Citius Mag
-the Citius Mag podcast network and how he focuses on differentiation
-racing in 2021
-and much more!
Follow along with Chris’ journey at twitter.com/ChrisChavez!
Thanks again 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!

Feb 12, 2021 • 50min
142. Mikel Haggadone: How running intertwines with life
Mikel Haggadone is a runner, scientist (and immunologist), and one of the most positive voices out there in the running world.
In this episode, we talked about:
-how running intertwines with life
-what “you are enough?” means to him
-a breakdown of the piece he published in iRunFar
-self acceptance
-“you never feel different after you achieve something”
-why he runs long distances
-mental health and having bipolar disorder
-why he loves lifting people up
-and so much more
Follow along with Mikel’s journey at https://www.instagram.com/mikelhaggadone/
This podcast is brought to you by BOCO Gear, a Boulder based custom headwear company company named after Boulder, Colorado.
BOCO Gear was founded by kay Martin and born out of her learnings during her more than 25 year career in the outdoor industry.
If you’ve been running trail or ultra races for the last few years, there’s a pretty high chance you own a BOCO hat or two.
I have almost a dozen BOCO hats and they’re definitely my favorite headwear, and early in the pandemic they even started producing high quality face masks!
Check them out at BOCOgear.com and take 20% off with the code FTLR

Feb 8, 2021 • 1h
141. Dr Kirstin Lauritzen: High performance insights for all
Dr Kirstin Lauritzen is a chiropractor and human nutrition expert living in Portland, Oregon predominantly working with athletes.
In this episode, we talked about:
-her educational background
-high performance and how everything is intertwined
-looking at the body from a functional perspective
-her experience and goals as a triathlete
-the learnings from long training and racing/adventure days
-a deep dive into nutrition and the most common deficiencies
-how to use lab work to drive decision making on nutrition
-the importance of eating enough and sleep/stress management
-knowing your why
-and much more!
Follow along with Dr. Kirsten’s adventures at https://www.instagram.com/drkirstin
This podcast is brought to you by BOCO Gear, a Boulder based custom headwear company company named after Boulder, Colorado.
BOCO Gear was founded by kay Martin and born out of her learnings during her more than 25 year career in the outdoor industry.
If you’ve been running trail or ultra races for the last few years, there’s a pretty high chance you own a BOCO hat or two.
I have almost a dozen BOCO hats and they’re definitely my favorite headwear, and early in the pandemic they even started producing high quality face masks!
Check them out at BOCOgear.com and take 20% off with the code FTLR

Feb 3, 2021 • 1h 8min
140. Caroline Burckle: For The Long [Swim]
Caroline Burckle is an athlete who has swam at the Olympics, a mentor, and an ever changing and ever evolving human with about 1,000 interests and things she wants to embark on in her life.
In this one, we talked about:
-how we got connected (via Amelia Boone and taco socks)
-rest day brags
-the 2008 Olympics and her new journey from there
-failure
-RISE Athletes and mentorship
-internal validation
-what she considers success to be
-her legacy
-gratitude and her intentional practice
-running a business vs competing in the Olympics
-what she wishes people knew
-and SO much more
Follow along with Caroline’s adventures at instagram.com/caroburckle
This podcast is brought to you by BOCO Gear, a Boulder based custom headwear company company named after Boulder, Colorado.
BOCO Gear was founded by kay Martin and born out of her learnings during her more than 25 year career in the outdoor industry.
If you’ve been running trail or ultra races for the last few years, there’s a pretty high chance you own a BOCO hat or two.
I have almost a dozen of them and they’re definitely my favorite headwear. Early in the pandemic they even started producing high quality face masks!
Check them out at BOCOgear.com. There’s a style for everyone, and grab 20% off with the code FTLR.

Jan 29, 2021 • 55min
139. Kay Martin: Need drives innovation
Kay Martin is a runner and founder of BOCO Gear. She used to say she was a student of the industry and full of passion and all those other adjectives.
In this episode, we talked about:
-why she called herself a fake athlete
-her background in running and endurance
-getting into the outdoor industry
-being a female in a male dominated industry
-starting her own brand, BOCO Gear
-challenges in 2020
-innovation and pressure
-new lines of business that were unimaginable before
-what she knows know she wishes she knew back then
-goals for 10+ years out
-and much more!
This podcast is brought to you by BOCO Gear, a Boulder based custom headwear company company named after Boulder, Colorado.
BOCO Gear was founded by kay Martin and born out of her learnings during her more than 25 year career in the outdoor industry.
If you’ve been running trail or ultra races for the last few years, there’s a pretty high chance you own a BOCO hat or two.
I have almost a dozen BOCO hats and they’re definitely my favorite headwear, and early in the pandemic they even started producing high quality face masks!
Check them out at BOCOgear.com. There’s a style for everyone!