THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

In this insightful discussion, Charles Hicks, a professional distance runner and Stanford alum, shares his transition to marathon running while training with Nike's Swoosh TC. He dives into the emotions behind switching his international ties to the U.S. and why he chose NYC for his marathon debut. Hicks reveals how his recent success at Cherry Blossom influenced this career move and reflects on the grind of marathon training versus his track background. He also talks about co-founding Scholarly, helping college applicants connect with insightful resources.

Laurie Henes, a former NCAA champion and current Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at NC State, shares her journey in transforming NC State into a powerhouse. She highlights the importance of individualized training to align athletes for peak performance and her strategies for recruiting hidden gems like Grace Hartman. Laurie emphasizes building a strong culture, minimizing race-day tension, and the emotional complexities of defending titles. She discusses the significance of resilience in athletes and her success measurement centered around athlete development.

Cordell Tinch, a world-class 110m hurdler and 2025 World Champion, shares his incredible journey from nearly quitting to winning gold. He reflects on his comeback after a multi-year break, revealing how belief and resilience fueled his success. Cordell discusses overcoming nerves at the starting line and adjusting his mindset to defeat top competitors. He also emphasizes the importance of celebrating both big and small wins and inspires listeners to embrace their unique paths. Expect laughs and insights as he discusses future plans and the joy of being a role model.

Sadie Engelhardt, an elite young middle-distance runner and recent high school national record holder, shares her exciting transition to NCAA competition at NC State. She reflects on her challenges, including managing injuries and balancing ambition with life outside of running. Sadie discusses her unique approach to racing, training with a supportive team, and her decision to dive into collegiate running instead of redshirting. Additionally, she reveals her new NIL partnership with Brooks and how she plans to make a mark in the competitive NCAA track scene.

Tim Surface, co-founder and CEO of Final Surge and a high-school coach with a stellar running background, discusses the evolution of coaching technology. He shares insights on balancing his roles as a father and coach while nurturing his sons' running talents. Tim reveals how Final Surge saves coaches time with streamlined tools and argues against over-reliance on email. He emphasizes the importance of customization in coaching and highlights the integration of modern technology in enhancing athlete performance.

Jeff Cunningham, a licensed attorney and founder of Austin’s Bat City Track Club, discusses his unconventional coaching methods that cater to athletes from newbies to Olympians. He reveals the effectiveness of his 'one big workout per week' strategy, emphasizing the importance of monotony and consistency in training. Jeff shares inspiring stories of athlete breakthroughs and highlights the growth of Bat City since 2018. He also reflects on balancing his law career with coaching while motivating athletes to push their limits.

Cortney Berling, a Registered Dietitian and sub-3 marathoner, shares her insights on under-fueling and its impact on running performance. She explains RED-S, emphasizing the importance of adequate nutrition over training volume. Cortney offers practical fueling strategies, like matching carbs to mileage and improving pre-bed protein intake. She addresses mental health, the effects of social media on eating habits, and shares her personal journey with under-fueling. This conversation is a crucial wake-up call for athletes seeking to optimize their performance through proper nutrition.

Mitch Ammons, an Austin-based realtor and competitive runner, transformed his life through running after overcoming addiction. He shares how habitual training and community support fueled his journey to a remarkable 2:16 marathon time. Mitch emphasizes the significance of simple routines, accountability, and mental toughness in racing. He reflects on his venture into ultra-marathons, lessons from early DNF experiences, and his quest for Olympic Trials qualification. His story underscores how running can reshape identities and build resilience.

With the Toledo Marathon just days away, reflection takes center stage. The speaker shares a journey from tackling their first marathon with minimal training to embracing a more balanced regimen of running and strength workouts. Discover the emotional ties to their hometown and how Garmin's latest technology has become a game-changer. Along the way, themes of grit, resilience, and the meaning behind pushing through challenges resonate, making this a motivating listen for runners at any level.

Jonah Rosner, an applied sport scientist who transitioned from the Houston Texans to helping everyday runners PR, shares his expertise. He breaks down a practical durability framework, ensuring runners finish strong. Jonah discusses how caffeine boosted his 2:57 marathon time and introduces his Beginner’s Pre-Run Fuel Playbook for simple nutrition. He also emphasizes balanced training, the dangers of overtraining, and innovative methods for enhancing performance. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to improve their running sessions!