The Running Public

Kirk interviews Brakken about Spartan's evolution as as race, brand, and company. From a grassroots movement to a worldwide phenomenon, Spartan Race has essentially created a sport out of thin air and Brakken was there to witness it from the beginning. Today is filled with nostalgic memories, old race stories, critiques and compliments for Spartan's business model, and much more!

As a runner, do you need to be on Strava? Today we dive into: What is Strava? How to use it as a training tool Is the Premium Subscription worth upgrading to? The common pitfalls athletes fall into on Strava

From collegiate 800m All-American to 100 mile Ultra Runner, Ean has worked to redefine himself as an endurance athlete. He represents the struggles of the everyman: running his own construction business and raising four kids while trying to fit in 70-80 mile training weeks. One of the grittiest athletes we have ever competed against, Ean continually seeks out races that test how far he can truly push his body.  

Our mental game is the key to our performance. Far too often, our true athletic ceiling is WAY higher than we think it is. Today's episode gives you the blueprint to unlock better performances.

Race predictor workouts. Training for downhills as a flatlander. Setting your personal HR zones. Using HR for interval workouts. Are massages useful? When should I time trial? How to stay injury free as a heavier runner. Drug testing in OCR. Our thoughts on minimal shoes.  All these and many more are addressed today! 

As many athletes have progressed into their "off season base building" stage of training, the questions we've received have shown a growing concern that they will lose their hard earned speed during this time. Today we address that single issue completely!

IAU Trail World Champs. Skyrunning World Series Champion. 2x Skyrunning Extreme Series Champion. Ultra Skyrunning World Champion. 12x OCR World Champion. 2x Spartan Race World Champion. World's Toughest Mudder Team Champion.  If is it a running race held off road, Jon Albon has probably won it. The craziest part of it all? Jon has had 2 broken bones in his foot for the past FOUR AND A HALF YEARS. Today he talks his journey from national level roller hockey player to world champion endurance athlete, his surgery and rehab during COVID, and his training philosophy.  

Shoes. Socks. Underwear. Shorts. Compression Shorts. Cold weather tights. Shirts. Jackets. Rain gear. Gloves. Hats. Waist belts. Hydration packs. Watches. HR monitors. You asked for the gear we use; here it is!

One year into her transition from D-1 Track star to OCR athlete, Morgan Schulz joins us for an unbelievable story of success, injury, heartbreak, and resolve. She has had incredibly high highs paired with agonizingly low lows through her first 23 years as an athlete, which has set her up for future dominance in the endurance world. This entire episode is worth your time but from 70:00 to the end should be required listening for every endurance athlete - especially young women!

Running isn't as simple as just building a big engine. There are many accompanying skills that need to be developed in order to fully access your fitness during a competition. Ascending, descending, technical terrain, heat, altitude; these are all skills that need sharpening or developing in order to round out your game. When and how often should they be trained? Today we debate it all!