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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...
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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...
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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...
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Feb 15, 2024 • 1h 8min

#219 - Dr Phil Maffetone | Why Low Heart Rate Training Improves Your Running Performance

Dr. Phil Maffetone is a renowned endurance coach, author, and alternative medicine practitioner, known for his pioneering work in the field of aerobic training and holistic health. He is famous for developing the Maffetone Method, which emphasizes the importance of building a strong aerobic base through low-intensity, heart-rate-based training. Maffetone's approach focuses on optimizing health, performance, and longevity by integrating principles of nutrition, stress management, and overall well-being into athletic training programs. His methods have been adopted by athletes across various disciplines and have had a significant impact on the world of endurance sports.EPISODE OUTLINE:00:00 The Rise of Low Heart Rate Running03:00 The Relationship Between Health and Fitness08:59 The Impact of Nutrition on Health and Performance15:46 The Fear of Transitioning to Fat as Fuel22:46 The Transition to a Fat-Fueled Diet29:44 The Benefits of Slow Running and Aerobic Training36:04 The Long-Term Effects of Base Training47:26 Overcoming the Fear of Running Slow54:24 The Importance of Discipline in Training58:14 The Role of Emotions in Performance01:00:47 Balancing Emotions and Rational Thought01:01:31 Finding Creativity in the MorningTAKEAWAYSLow heart rate running has gained popularity in recent years, emphasizing the importance of health and aerobic fitness in endurance sports.Nutrition plays a significant role in both health and performance, and prioritizing fat as a fuel source can lead to improved energy levels and reduced inflammation.Slow running and aerobic training can lead to significant improvements in performance, as the aerobic system is the primary energy source for endurance activities.Transitioning to a fat-fueled diet requires patience and a gradual reduction in carbohydrate intake, allowing the body to adapt and become a more efficient fat burner.Building a strong aerobic base through slow running and proper nutrition is essential for long-term success in endurance sports. Discipline is a crucial aspect of training and involves monitoring your body and being true to its needs.Becoming obsessed with a sport can lead to injuries and burnout, so it's important to use our brains and practice discipline.Emotions play a role in performance, but it's essential to balance them with rational thought.Finding creativity in the morning can be a productive time for brainstorming and generating ideas.EPISODE LINKS:Dr. Maffetone's Website: https://philmaffetone.comTRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/498dcc71/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...
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Feb 9, 2024 • 54min

#218 - Darren Everett | Mental Preparation for Distance Running Success

Darren Everett is a Senior Psychologist whose goal is to help you overcome your challenges to become the best you can be. Darren has a long standing history of successfully working with adolescents, adults, and leading personalities across sport, business, music and the arts, including clinical support for The Olympic Games and major AFL clubs. EPISODE OUTLINE:00:00 Introduction03:13 Different Approaches to Performance Psychology07:26 Developing a Pre-Race Mental Program11:34 Characteristics of Highly Successful Athletes16:01 The Importance of Race Plans and Chunking21:56 Goal Setting and the Four-to-One Ratio28:11 Dealing with Negative Performances35:37 Different Approaches to Goal Setting39:39 The Importance of a System43:49 Creating a Clear System46:12 Building Resilience and Commitment50:48 The Power of Thoughts and ActionsTAKEAWAYSHaving a clear system or process is crucial for achieving goals.Start with small, practical steps and gradually increase commitment.Building resilience requires awareness, acceptance, and taking action.Thoughts and actions are the two levers that can be controlled to impact performance.TRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/3c8842cf/transcript.txtEPISODE LINKS:Noosa Camp: https://www.relaxedrunning.com/noosacampFalls Camp: https://www.relaxedrunning.com/falls-creekPODCAST 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...
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Feb 1, 2024 • 1h

#217 - Pat Tiernan | Using Simplicity & Consistency to Transform Your Marathon Training

Pat Tiernan is an Australian athlete who recently became the 2nd fastest Australian marathon runner of all time.EPISODE OUTLINE:00:00 Introduction 02:24 Buildup for Marathon Round Two08:13 Simplicity and Consistency in Training10:08 The Importance of Being Honest with Training17:19 Transitioning from Track Running to Marathon21:14 Gradual Increase in Mileage27:36 Monitoring Training Load and Recovery31:29 Using Heart Rate and Sleep Data36:44 Balancing Training Intensity and Recovery41:29 The Role of Data in Training47:40 Finding a Healthy Balance in Training48:07 Hydration in Marathon Running48:35 Hydration and Fuelling53:20 Upcoming Races and GoalsTAKEAWAYSFocus on simplicity and consistency in training to improve performance.Monitor training load and recovery using data such as heart rate and sleep data.Gradually increase mileage and listen to your body to avoid injuries.Find a healthy balance between pushing yourself and allowing for proper recovery. Proper hydration and fueling are essential for optimal performance in endurance sports.Using hydration tablets and electrolytes can help replenish fluids and maintain electrolyte balance.Simulating race day conditions during training can help prepare the body for the demands of competition.Participating in cross country races can provide valuable preparation for road races.TRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/aa60a9d8/transcript.txtEPISODE LINKS:Relaxed Running Noosa Camp: https://www.relaxedrunning.com/noosacampPODCAST 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...
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Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 6min

#216 - Gordo Byrn | How to Develop Consistency in Training

Gordo Byrn stands out as a highly accomplished triathlete, coach, and mentor. Renowned for his outstanding triathlon achievements, he has participated in numerous Ironman and long-distance events, gaining admiration for his unwavering dedication and exceptional performance. Beyond the racecourse, Gordo's impact resonates through his co-authored masterpiece, "Going Long: Training for Triathlon's Ultimate Challenge," a definitive guide cherished by triathletes seeking comprehensive insights. His thought-provoking blogs and writings serve as a testament to his expertise, offering a treasure trove of knowledge to the endurance community.EPISODE OUTLINE:00:00 Immediate Onset Muscle Soreness01:29 Race Conditions and Limitations03:04 The Importance of Run-Walk Strategy04:30 Biomechanical Limiters and Central Fitness05:26 The Slow Progression of Biomechanical Limiters06:22 Setting Running Benchmarks and Intensive Stamina08:20 The Desire to Improve and Overcome Biases09:07 The Importance of Connecting with Coaches09:19 The Need for Patience and Time10:24 Balancing Volume and Recovery10:47 The Fear of Giving Up Central Gains11:15 Building Peripheral Fitness and Overcoming Limiters12:13 Working with Coaches Who Have Experienced Similar Struggles12:40 Finding the Right Approach to Workouts13:31 Training as a Serious Amateur14:55 The Shift in Perspective with Age15:46 Feeling Good in the Body and Taking a Holistic Approach18:17 Using Data to Validate Feelings and Vice Versa19:52 Metabolic Fitness and the Use of Tech and Data21:18 The Importance of Volume and Biomechanical Limiters22:42 Adding Volume with Cross Training and Recovery23:39 Accelerating Gains with Lower Volume and Higher Recovery24:37 Accepting the Limitations of Peripheral Adaptation25:33 The Dangers of Rapidly Increasing Volume26:02 Gradual Increase in Volume and Managing Depletion26:32 Managing Volume and Recovery for Long-Term Progress27:29 A Protocol for Adding Volume Gradually28:24 Using Cycling to Generate Metabolic Adaptations30:21 Balancing Endurance and Strength Training31:17 The Benefits of Easy Cycling and Easy Swimming32:17 Depletion Training and Metabolic Fitness33:15 Metabolic Capacity and Depletion Training34:40 The Impact of Athlete Size on Depletion Training35:41 Improving Metabolic Performance with Easy Cycling36:12 Lactate Testing and Metabolic Fitness37:04 The Importance of Easy Days and Recovery38:55 The Benefits of Hills and Flat Training39:23 Building Durability and Endurance for Long Races40:19 Adding Run Volume and Maintaining Easy Cycling41:46 Managing Depletion and Instability in Cycling42:49 Alternating Hill and Flat Training for Variety45:08 Balancing Running and Cycling Volume46:48 Gradually Increasing Running Volume48:14 Separating Biomechanical Limiters and Volume Increase49:06 Adding More Running Volume and Benchmarking50:33 The Time and Patience Required for Marathon Training51:55 Avoiding Instability and Fatigue in Cycling54:54 The Endless Possibilities for Training Adjustments57:20 The Importance of Late Race Durability01:00:13 The Potential for Running Fast AgainKEY TAKEAWAYS:Balancing central fitness and peripheral fitness is crucial for overall performance improvement.Addressing biomechanical limiters is essential to unlock performance potential.Training as a master's athlete requires a focus on volume, recovery, and patience.Data and feel should be used together to inform training decisions.Adding volume gradually and managing depletion training can lead to long-term progress.Easy days and recovery are important for maintaining consistency and avoiding injury.Balancing running and cycling volume can help improve overall endurance.Alternating hill and flat training can provide variety and improve performance.Late race durability is crucial for maintaining performance in longer events.Time and patience are key in achieving marathon training goals.TRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/941bdde4/transcript.txtEPISODE LINKS:Gordo Substack: https://feelthebyrn.substack.comGordo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@feelthebyrnGordo Twitter: @feelthebyrnqGordo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelthebyrn/PODCAST INFO:Podcast Website: www.relaxedrunning.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RelaxedRunning/videosApple 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...
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Jan 19, 2024 • 60min

#215 - Adharanand Finn | Running With the Kenyans

Adharanand Finn, a British author and journalist, has made a significant impact in the running community with his compelling exploration of long-distance running cultures worldwide. Renowned for his debut book, "Running with the Kenyans" (2012), Finn delves into the secrets of Kenya's extraordinary success in distance running, blending personal experiences, cultural insights, and interviews with elite athletes. An accomplished runner himself, Finn's subsequent works, including "The Way of the Runner" and "The Rise of the Ultra Runners," showcase his passion for the sport and his curiosity about diverse global running motivations. EPISODE OUTLINE:00:00 Introduction to the Book 'Running with the Kenyans'03:19 Fascination with Kenyan Runners and the Journey to Kenya04:19 Rediscovering Running and the Kenyan Influence08:39 Arriving in Kenya and the Humbling Experience13:20 The Dominance of Kenyan Runners and the Kenyan Way of Running20:52 The Importance of Slow Running and the Kenyan Training Structure27:36 The Sunday Long Run and Training without Carbohydrates34:28 The Balance between Technology and Traditional Training Methods41:02 The Kenyan Training System and the Role of Technique43:53 The Importance of Form and Technique45:20 Efficiency in Biomechanics46:19 Drills for Improving Form48:10 The Myth of Barefoot Running51:28 The Kenyan Advantage in Bounce and Form54:16 Brother Colm and the Kenyan MindsetTRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/3e5f5457/transcript.txtEPISODE LINKS:Ad's Website: https://www.adharanandfinn.comAd's Books: https://www.adharanandfinn.com/booksPODCAST 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...
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Jan 11, 2024 • 1h 5min

#214 - Altitude, Attitude and Consistently Producing World Class Distance Runners with Matt Baxter and Ron Mann

Today we are joined by legendary Coach from Northern Arizona University, Ron Mann and and Elite Athlete Matt Baxter to their new book 'Running Up The Mountain'. It's an in depth conversation about what NAU's is doing to consistently produce world class athletesEPISODE OUTLINE:00:00 Introduction and Origin Story06:23 The Structure of the Book10:25 The Early Years of the Program16:10 Benefits of Training at Altitude20:00 Matt Baxter's Journey to NAU23:38 Training Structure and Work Ethic32:47 Managing Effort and Utilizing Technology39:07 Investment and Passion for the Program45:32 Cultivating a Successful Culture47:56 Creating a Culture of Growth and Teamwork50:03 Starting the Application Process53:36 The Importance of Cross-Country Results57:17 The Role of Relationships in the College Decision58:24 Tips for International Athletes01:00:46 Appreciating and Contributing to the College ProgramKEY TAKEAWAYSThe early years of a program are often challenging and require perseverance and dedication.Training at altitude can provide physiological benefits for endurance athletes.The collegiate system in the US offers opportunities for international athletes to compete at a high level and receive a free education.The culture and environment of a program play a significant role in the success of athletes.Utilizing technology and data can help coaches and athletes monitor and optimize training.Investment and passion from both athletes and coaches are crucial for achieving success.When applying to college athletic programs, showcase your presence in the media and make yourself available.Cross-country results can be a significant factor in getting accepted into a college program.Building relationships with coaches and showing appreciation for the program's success can make a difference in the college decision.International athletes should cast a wide net when considering colleges and emphasize their commitment to team culture.Athletes should appreciate and contribute to the legacy of the college program they join.TRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/526614f9/transcript.txtEPISODE LINKS:Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Running-Up-Mountain-Northern-Lumberjack/dp/1734989963PODCAST 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...
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Dec 17, 2023 • 23min

#213 - A Beginner's Guide to Starting Your Running Journey in 2024

In this podcast episode, Tyson Popplestone shares his advice to those of you looking to start your running journey in 2024. EPISODE OUTLINE:(00:00:00) The Falls Creek Run Camp (00:01:47) Morning Long Run (00:02:35) Welcoming a Beginner's Guide to Starting Your Running Journey (00:07:55) Developing a plan for where you're at(00:11:21) The Role of Goals (00:13:04) Does Running Form Matter? (00:15:41) How to Develop Consistency(00:17:35) How to Incorporate Cross Training (00:18:32) Listening to your bodyMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEGordo Byrn Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlLjOUdJd7Q&t=1614sPrecision Fuel & Hydration: https://www.precisionhydration.com/au/en/TRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ba76bda/transcript.txtPODCAST 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...MORE FROM RELAXED RUNNINGPersonal Running Coaching: https://www.relaxedrunning.com/personal-coachingTechnique Analysis: https://www.relaxedrunning.com/techniquecoachingFalls Creek Run Experience: https://www.relaxedrunning.com/falls-creek

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