
Relaxed Running
The Relaxed Running podcast is a behind the scenes conversation with the best athletes, coaches and professionals in the world of distance running. From training, hydration and nutrition to racing and recovering, we learn from the best in the world.
Relaxed conversations which are packed with actionable takeaways to help you take your running performance up a notch. Save yourself years of guess work and learn from the people who are doing it at the highest level.
Latest episodes

May 3, 2024 • 48min
#230 - Alex Larson | An Evidence Based Approach to Fuelling for Performance
Alex Larson, a prominent sports dietitian, is renowned for her expertise in optimizing athletes' performance through tailored nutritional strategies. With a background in nutrition science and a passion for sports, Larson has become a go-to figure for athletes seeking to enhance their training regimens and achieve peak physical condition. Her approach is characterized by a deep understanding of the specific nutritional needs of different sports and individual athletes, combining evidence-based research with practical, personalized advice. Larson's holistic approach not only focuses on fueling athletes for performance but also emphasizes recovery, injury prevention, and long-term health. Through her consultations, workshops, and educational outreach, Larson continues to make a significant impact in the realm of sports nutrition, helping athletes of all levels unlock their full potential.EPISODE OUTLINE:00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage03:00 Optimizing Performance through Individualized Approaches06:17 The Role of Processed Supplements in Training10:49 Finding Affordable and Convenient Fueling Options14:17 Personal Preference in Fueling Workouts22:17 Misconceptions About Sodium25:38 Introduction to Hydration for Athletes29:38 Letting Go of the Dieting Mindset34:01 Don't Fear Weight Gain: Prioritize Fueling for Performance37:12 The Pitfalls of Quick Fixes and Extreme Diets40:27 Using Leftover Chicken in Multiple Dishes43:19 The Importance of Breakfast for Athletes43:40 Navigating Time Zones with Athletes43:46 Navigating Time Zone Challenges44:04 Strategies for Managing Time Zone Changes44:16 Coordinating with People in Different Time Zones44:27 The Benefits of Flexibility45:08 Staying Connected through Social Media45:37 CloseTRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/48eec58b/transcript.txtMORE FROM ALEX:Website: https://alexlarsonnutrition.com/PODCAST INFO:Podcast Website: www.relaxedrunning.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MMfLsQ...RSS: https://feeds.transistor.fm/relaxed-r...SOCIALS:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relaxedrunning- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relaxed_run...

10 snips
Apr 30, 2024 • 51min
#229 - Marco Altini | Improve Running Performance with HRV Insights
Marco Altini, co-founder of HRV4Training, delves into the fascinating world of heart rate variability (HRV) and its impact on athletic performance. He explains how HRV can reveal insights into recovery and stress management, emphasizing the importance of individual baselines over absolute values. The discussion also covers the future of wearable tech in performance tracking and its potential pitfalls. Plus, Altini highlights how emotional states can significantly influence running performance, reminding us to contextualize our data for optimal results.

Apr 19, 2024 • 25min
#228 - 6 Overlooked Elements of Distance Training
In this episode Tyson shares 6 of the most commonly overlooked elements of distance running training. Thanks to our podcast sponsor Steigan: 15% off ALL Steigan Products: rr2024http://steigen.com.auTRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/13c1722e/transcript.txtMORE FROM RELAXED RUNNING:Website: www.relaxedrunning.comPODCAST INFO:Podcast Website: www.relaxedrunning.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MMfLsQ...RSS: https://feeds.transistor.fm/relaxed-r...SOCIALS:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relaxedrunning- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relaxed_run...

Apr 12, 2024 • 28min
#227 - Chasing 2.29 (Episode 2)
In this episode Tyson shares a little about his training updates as he works towards running a 2.29 Marathon in the next 3-Years (before the end of 2026)

Apr 5, 2024 • 31min
#225 - 5 Keys to Breaking Your Running Plateau
Explore key strategies to break through running plateaus, including setting clear goals, balanced training approaches, heart rate monitoring, and optimized nutrition. Learn valuable insights on consistency, hydration, technique, and stress management to enhance running performance and resilience.

Mar 22, 2024 • 27min
#224 - Chasing 2.29 (Episode 1)
In this episode Tyson shares a little about his new journey towards improving his marathon. Specifically, he's set himself the goal of running 2.29 in the marathon in the next three years. Enjoy the first episode.

Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 1min
#223 - Alex Hutchinson | How to Unlock Your Endurance Potential
Alex Hutchinson, a New York Times bestselling author, is renowned for his book "Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance." Within this compelling work, Hutchinson expertly navigates the complex realms of physiology, psychology, and human endurance, challenging conventional understandings of performance limits. Through a captivating blend of storytelling and rigorous scientific inquiry, he elucidates the intricate interplay between mind and body, offering profound insights into the depths of human potential that resonate not only with athletes but with anyone striving for excellence.EPISODE OUTLINE:00:00 Introduction and Background01:48 Misconceptions about Endurance04:06 Endurance as a Spiritual Component06:13 Different Perspectives on Endurance08:43 The Role of the Mind in Endurance09:55 Understanding the Complexity of Endurance13:19 Defining Endurance as the Struggle to Continue14:13 Factors to Consider for Improving Endurance20:12 Examples of Mental Strategies in Endurance23:21 The Role of Deception in Endurance26:45 Practicing Psychology in Running and Life28:04 Implementing Sports Psychology Techniques31:05 The Importance of Relaxation in Endurance32:04 Cultural Perspectives on Endurance32:34 The Psychology of Kenyan Runners36:24 Mindset and Performance38:26 The Ability to Bounce Back41:29 Self-Confidence and Performance44:54 The Importance of Mindset in Performance47:51 The Role of Sports Psychology in Performance50:11 The Balance Between Data and Performance55:25 Alex Hutchinson's New BookTAKEAWAYSEndurance is not solely determined by physical factors but also by the mind's role in defining our limits.Self-talk plays a crucial role in improving endurance, and positive internal monologue can enhance performance.Endurance is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and cultural perspectives can influence beliefs about human potential.Deception and relaxation techniques can be effective strategies for improving endurance performance.TRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/3c6f1713/transcript.txtMORE FROM ALEX:http://alexhutchinson.netMORE FROM RELAXED RUNNING:Website: www.relaxedrunning.com/getstartedPODCAST INFO:Podcast Website: www.relaxedrunning.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MMfLsQ...RSS: https://feeds.transistor.fm/relaxed-r...SOCIALS:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relaxedrunning- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relaxed_run...

Mar 8, 2024 • 50min
#222 - Charlie Engle | The Prison Hero & Former Crack Addict who Ran Across The Sahara Desert.
Charlie Engle, an acclaimed endurance athlete and ultramarathon runner, has overcome significant hurdles in his life, including struggles with drug addiction and serving time in prison. However, he found solace and redemption through running, transforming his life. Notably, Engle participated in the "Running the Sahara" expedition in 2007, covering 4,500 miles across the desert with two other runners. This remarkable journey, documented in a film produced by Matt Damon, raised awareness for the challenges of the region and supported clean water initiatives. Engle's journey showcases his unmatched endurance and determination, evident in his conquests of challenging ultramarathons like the Badwater Ultramarathon and the Marathon des Sables.JOIN THE RELAXED RUNNING MEMBERSHIPhttps://www.relaxedrunning.com/membersEPISODE OUTLINE:00:00 Introduction and Unexpected Race in Australia02:56 Charlie's Running Journey and Overcoming Addiction09:05 The Power of Running and Suffering with Purpose19:53 Transferring Addiction to Running21:05 Addiction and Self-Improvement22:12 Criticism and Fear from Others23:41 Cutting Anchors Loose24:34 Attraction Over Promotion25:03 Self-Abuse and Growth26:01 Chosen Suffering26:30 Equipping Yourself for Unchosen Suffering27:00 The Benefit of Pushing Through Discomfort28:22 Navigating Life's Curveballs29:19 Finding Peace in Hardship30:13 The Joy of Overcoming Challenges31:09 The Importance of Experience32:06 Getting Through Hard Moments33:00 The Trick to Overcoming Challenges34:00 The Power of Perspective35:24 Curiosity and Growth36:23 Adapting to Life's Changes37:52 Finding Calm in Difficult Moments38:59 Embracing Challenges and Uncertainty39:56 The Value of Perspective41:48 Revealing Your True Self in Difficult Times42:40 The Mental Victory of Commitment44:29 Finding Joy in Health and FitnessTAKEAWAYSAddiction and obsessive traits can be both a challenge and a strength.Criticism and fear from others may stem from their own insecurities.Cutting loose negative influences is necessary for personal growth.Choosing suffering can lead to personal growth and resilience.Embracing challenges and finding joy in them is key to a fulfilling lifeTRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/ca47ef8f/transcript.txtMORE FROM RELAXED RUNNING:Website: www.relaxedrunning.com/getstartedPODCAST INFO:Podcast Website: www.relaxedrunning.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MMfLsQ...RSS: https://feeds.transistor.fm/relaxed-r...SOCIALS:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relaxedrunning- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relaxed_run...

Mar 1, 2024 • 48min
#221 - A Behind-the-Scenes Coaching Call on Creating Consistency in Training
Whether we're dealing with injury, niggles, lack of motivation or simply trying to find space in our lives for the running training required to improve - most of us at some point in our lives have struggled with training consistently. In today's one-to-one coaching call, I speak to an athlete of mine on how we've created consistency in his training over the last 7-months. This week's episode features a coaching call with Relaxed Running Athlete, Mark McCallum. Mark was a 1500m runner as a teenager but stepped away after a few years to focus on a 30+ Year career as an Air Force Pilot. Since Mark and I have started working together we've made some significant changes to the way we approach his training which has led to some really promising break throughs in his running performance. EPISODE OUTLINE:00:00 Introduction and Background00:29 Early Running Journey05:14 Inconsistency and Lack of Knowledge06:08 Retirement and Increased Focus on Running08:07 Interest in Running Technique10:10 Discovering the Importance of Relaxation in Running13:27 Exploring Different Running Philosophies21:12 The 80-20 Principle and Training Intensity23:59 The Importance of Listening to Your Body24:56 Laying the Foundation for Consistent Running26:01 The Importance of Stacking Workouts27:11 The Purpose of Today's Training28:10 Prioritizing Shorter, Faster Runs29:00 The 10K as a Stepping Stone31:05 From Rehabilitation to Performance-Based Training32:23 Motivation for Shorter, Faster Runs33:01 Handling Increased Volume and Intensity36:01 The Impact of Trail Running on Fatigue and Strength38:18 The Skill of Trail Running41:03 The Benefits of Running on Uneven Terrain42:26 The Importance of Running on Dirt SurfacesTAKEAWAYSConsistency is a common challenge for many runners. Developing a consistent routine requires a combination of factors, including understanding your body, focusing on technique, and finding intrinsic motivation.Technique plays a crucial role in running efficiency. Paying attention to relaxation and releasing tension in the body can lead to improved performance and a state of flow.Exploring different running philosophies and approaches can provide valuable insights and help refine your training methods.The 80-20 principle, which involves spending 80% of training time at low intensity and 20% at high intensity, has been observed in elite athletes across various endurance sports.Listening to your body and adjusting training based on how you feel is essential for long-term success and injury prevention. Laying a strong foundation is crucial for consistent running.Stacking workouts and building resilience is key to becoming a robust and capable athlete.Prioritizing shorter, faster runs can help improve speed and performance.Trail running can lead to increased fatigue and strength due to the varied terrain and footstrike.Running on dirt surfaces can be more comfortable and easier on the body compared to pavement.TRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/b72f7105/transcript.txtMORE FROM RELAXED RUNNING:Website: www.relaxedrunning.com/getstartedPODCAST INFO:Podcast Website: www.relaxedrunning.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MMfLsQ...RSS: https://feeds.transistor.fm/relaxed-r...SOCIALS:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relaxedrunning- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relaxed_run...

Feb 26, 2024 • 23min
#220 - The Training Secret 90% of Endurance Athletes Completely Ignore
Tyson shares about one of the most overlooked elements of training for improving distance running performance.MORE FROM RELAXED RUNNING:Website: www.relaxedrunning.com/getstartedPODCAST INFO:Podcast Website: www.relaxedrunning.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MMfLsQ...RSS: https://feeds.transistor.fm/relaxed-r...SOCIALS:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relaxedrunning- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relaxed_run...