
THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST
The Running Effect is changing the way the world sees running.
Every week, host Dominic Schlueter sits down with the fastest, smartest, and most inspiring people in the sport to share untold stories, elite insights, and powerful conversations that move the culture forward.
Whether you're chasing a personal best or dreaming bigger about what running can mean in your life, The Running Effect is your home for passion, performance, and possibility.
🚀 Join the movement that's reshaping running media.
More than a podcast — a revolution in how running is told, lived, and loved.
Latest episodes

Dec 11, 2024 • 51min
BACK-TO-BACK: Graham Blanks Shares Exclusive Stories & Insights From His Dominant NCAA XC Season | Training Insights, Drinking Beer Before Setting The Collegiate Record, & Sharing A Dorm w/Oppenheimer
GRAHAM VOTED FOR PEDRO RETURNS TO THE PODCAST
Last November, Graham won the 2023 NCAA title on the grass and two weeks later put an NCAA record to his name. This year Graham won an NCAA title on the grass going BACK-TO-BACK and joining an elite crew who have done so. The last four Americans to repeat as NCAA cross-country champion are Gerry Lindgren, Steve Prefontaine, Conner Mantz, and now Graham. Not bad company.
Graham is also an Olympian for the US in the 5k where he placed 9th in the World.
Graham just ran 12:59 in the 5k at BU to set a collegiate record and get the World-Standard.
He announced yesterday that he turned professional with New Balance.
In today's conversation, you can hear exclusive insights on the journey and 2024 season of Graham Blanks and all that went into it. Graham also discusses his thoughts on being loose and having fun within the sport, why he drank a beer the night before his collegiate record, the training he did leading into the 2024 NCAA XC Championship Meet, what he wants his legacy to be, and so much more.
This one is an all-timer. Watch long enough to see JFKs and Oppenheimer's dorm. #iykyk
Tap into the Graham Blanks Special.
If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!
S H O W N O T E S
-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run
-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Dec 7, 2024 • 41min
Lessons From NC State's Grace Hartman: From Ohio High School Legend To Top 5 In The NCAA & Olympic Trials Competitor
Today on the podcast is Grace Hartman!
Grace most recently placed 5th at the 2024 NCAA XC Championships held last month in Madison, Wisconsin. Grace is also a 4xNCAA Track and Field All-American, a 1x NCAA Cross Country All-American, a 2024 5000M Track and Field Olympic Trials Competitor, the 2024 Cross Country ACC Individual Champion, and the 2024 ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Back in high school, Grace was the 2xGatorade Ohio Player of the Year (Cross Country 2020, 2021) and an 8xOHSAA (Ohio) State Champion.
Grace has run 4:13 (1500m), 15:27 5k, 32:28 (10k), and 19:15 (6k on grass).
In today's conversation, you can hear all about how Grace went from placing 63rd at the 2023 National Championships to 5th just one short year later, how she handles setbacks, her years dominating Ohio running in high school, how her ambitions have changed with her recent success, lessons from Coach Henes, and much more.
I was in HS at the same time as Grace in OH and she was always a household name so it was such a fun time getting to chop it up with her and go through her success and mindsets.
Tap into the Grace Hartman Special.
If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!
S H O W N O T E S
-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run
-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Dec 5, 2024 • 46min
Keegan Smith: From Prodigy To Powerhouse – The Journey To NXN & Foot Locker Glory + Exclusive Insights On His New NIL Deal With HOKA
Fresh off of a 14:23 5k & wins at NXR & Foot Locker South, Keegan Smith joins the podcast to share his story.
Keegan is heating up at just the right time. He's looking to complete the dirty double and be one of the first kids in history to win both NXN and Foot Locker.
For background on Keegan, Keegan has an incredibly storied prep career, having won 21 National Titles and setting age-group national records before even entering high school.
In high school, Keegan made Foot Locker as just a freshman, has since won Foot Locker South, NXR, and has been a Two time Gatorade "Player of the Year" in Tennessee.
Keegan holds PRs of 1:51 in the 800m, 4:07 in the Mile, 8:54 in the 2-Mile, and 14:23 for 5k on grass.
Keegan announced this week that he signed a NIL deal with HOKA, which we discussed in depth in this conversation.
Keegan is committed to run for Colorado this upcoming fall.
In today's conversation, Keegan takes me through his journey, the ups and downs of it, being a childhood prodigy, how he's handled pressure over the years, his NIL with HOKA, his ambition for Foot Locker, and so much more.
Keegan is one of the most articulate high-schoolers I've ever met and shares a lot of deep, meaningful insights in this conversation today.
Do not miss it.
Tap into the Keegan Smith Special.
If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!
S H O W N O T E S
-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run
-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Dec 3, 2024 • 52min
The Inside Scoop With The Elite Duo Of Parker Wolfe & Ethan Strand | Insights From Their XC Season, Their Bet On The BU 3k, Leading The UNC Team, & More
Today on the podcast is the elite duo of Parker Wolfe and Ethan Strand.
If you're not familiar with Parker or Ethan, they are two of the greatest (if not THE) runners in Tar Heel history.
Parker won the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Title in the 5k, taking down debately one of the most stacked fields of all time. Parker also placed 9th at the 2023 NCAA XC National Championships and 7th at the 2024 edition, and placed 2nd in both the 5k and 3k at the 2024 NCAA Indoor National Championships.
Ethan has the school record in the Mile running a 3:54.62, is an ACC Champion, NCAA All-American in both track and XC, a finalist in the 1500m at the 2024 US Olympic Trials, and most recently placed 8th at the 2024 NCAA XC National Championships.
Both are also NIL athletes for NIKE.
In today's conversation, Parker and Ethan recap their XC season, including exclusive insights and stories from the ups and downs of the season. We also dive into their friendship and how that has evolved over the years, how they've become leaders within the UNC program, their ambition for their track season, their bet going into the BU 3k this weekend, and so much more.
This conversation was both insightful and a ton of fun. I hope you will take the time to be enlightened by the wisdom of two of the best NCAA runners we've seen in quite some time.
Tap into the Parker Wolfe & Ethan Strand Special.
If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!
S H O W N O T E S
-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run
-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Dec 1, 2024 • 56min
Inside How Creed Thompson Helped BYU Make History At The NCAA XC Championships + Insights On How To Build A Winning Culture
Today on the podcast is BYU's Creed Thompson who just played a pivotal role and helping his team to win a National title.
Creed placed 12th in the country, helping his team win their first NCAA XC Title in five years.
Two years ago, Creed finished 35th overall at the NCAA Championships.
Back in high school, Creed was named RunningLane First Team All-American and the Utah Gatorade BoysCross Country Player of the Year (2020). He was also the Utah 6A individual state champion (2019). That same year, he placed 18th at Footlocker Nationals.
In today's conversation, you can hear insights from Creed's 12th place finish as well as insights and wisdom from the Championships winning BYU squad. Creed also shares his thoughts on the current landscape of the NCAA, international transfers, age limits, and more. Lastly, hear Creed's ambitions for the rest of his career and exclusive stories from his historic 2024 season.
This was one of my favorite episodes I've recorded in a few months. Don't miss the opportunity to hear one-of-one insights from Creed.
Tap into the Creed Thompson Special.
If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!
S H O W N O T E S
-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run
-REGISTER FOR FOOT LOCKER REGIONALS: http://footlockercc.com
-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Nov 29, 2024 • 46min
The Legacy Of Olympian Shannon Rowbury: Speed, Integrity, And The Future Of Track
Today, I have the privilege of speaking with one of the greats, Shannon Rowbury. Shannon is one of the most decorated American middle-distance runners, known for her incredible range and longevity in the sport. A three-time Olympian (2008, 2012, 2016), Rowbury is a World Championship bronze medalist in the 1500m (2009) and has broken American records in both the 1500m and 5000m. Her personal bests showcase her versatility and speed: 2:00.03 in the 800m, 3:56.29 in the 1500m (former American record), 4:20.34 in the mile, 8:29.93 in the 3000m, 14:38.92 in the 5000m (former American record), and 31:03.29 in the 10,000m. Throughout her career, Shannon has been celebrated for her consistency, tactical prowess, and role as a pioneer for women in track and field. Her legacy continues to inspire the next generation of runners.Shannon is one step away from being reallocated a 2012 Olympic 1500m bronze medal. Shannon has been moved up from fourth place to third place in World Athletics' results.Shannon is also a mother of two boys, in the midst of writing a book, a Sports Broadcaster & In-Stadium Announcer, and so much more. In today's conversation, Shannon takes me through the biggest lessons and learnings from her wildly successful career, being upgraded to Bronze from the 2012 Olympics, and the emotions that come with that, what separates the good from the great, and much more.This conversation was a true privilege and pleasure to have. So many good insights in this conversation, don't miss out on the chance to learn from one of the best.Tap into the Shannon Rowbury Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -REGISTER FOR FOOT LOCKER REGIONALS: http://footlockercc.com -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Nov 27, 2024 • 33min
How Ben Crane Plans To Win It All: Training, Strategy, And The Mental Edge Of A Running Prodigy
Today on the podcast is Ben Crane!
Ben is heating up at just the right time. He just won NXR Midwest in a new PR time of 14:46. He's going into FL Midwest next week with all the momentum. Before that, he became the 2024 Illinois 3A State Champion. Last year, Ben was a qualifier for the 2023 Foot Locker XC Nationals
He holds PRs of 4:14 (1600m), 8:57 (2-Mile), 14:03 (3-Mile XC), 14:46 (5k XC).
Ben is committed to running for BYU next Fall.
In today's conversation, Ben goes in-depth on his training, how he gains confidence from running higher-milage, how he handles comparison and pressure, why he chose to come back to Foot Locker, what winning a National Title would mean to him, and much more.
You can catch Ben race the 2024 Foot Locker XC Midwest Regional on November 30.
Tap into the Ben Crane Special.
If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!
S H O W N O T E S
-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run
-REGISTER FOR FOOT LOCKER REGIONALS: http://footlockercc.com
-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Nov 24, 2024 • 1h 17min
From Viral Fame To Silence: Why The Godfather Of Running YouTube Zach Levet Vanished—And What Comes Next
THE ZACH LEVET SPECIAL
Today, I have the privilege of having a conversation with a man who pioneered running YouTube for years. He was one of my main inspirations to create content within the running space, and for that I'll be forever grateful.
If you know Zach, you love Zach. His content was second to none for many years. Many people (including myself) religiously watched him every Tuesday evening and were inspired in ways we hadn't been before through his gift of storytelling. He amassed over 100,000 subscribers on this journey.
Zach not only hit that milestone, but dropped out of college (after running D1 for William & Mary), started multiple companies, lived out of a van, lived all across the US, and created throughout it all.
As you'll hear in this conversation, there were many highs, lows, and everything in-between in this journey for him that he shares for the first time publically in today's conversation.
Today's conversation was an absolute gift, and I hope you take the time to listen to it. From hearing about the YouTube years in-depth to the logistics of his current role with Ryan Trahan, to his ambitions for triathlon and the future, you won't want to miss this one.
You can watch the episode both on our YouTube Channel (The Running Effect Podcast) or Spotify or listen on your platform of choice.
Tap into the Zach Levet Special.
If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!
S H O W N O T E S
-REGISTER FOR FOOT LOCKER REGIONALS: http://footlockercc.com
-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en
-My Newsletter: https://therunningeffect.substack.com

Nov 22, 2024 • 53min
Maia Ramsden On The Journey To Win Back-To-Back NCAA Titles, What It Takes To Make The Olympics, Running National Records, & How To Have A Fulfilling Career
Back on the podcast is NCAA Champion & Olympian Maia Ramsden!
This past year, Maia became the first woman in 20 years to win back-to-back NCAA Division 1 titles.
Maia has run a New Zealand National Record of 4:02.20 in the 1500m, 4:24.79 in the Mile, 8:46.84 in the 3k, and 15:29.06 in the 5k.
In her senior year of cross country last year, Maia finished 10th overall at the 2023 NCAA Cross Country Championships.
Maia had one of the most dominant 2024 seasons of anyone in the NCAA ever.
In February 2024, Maia set a new personal Mile best of 4:24.83 in the Wannamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in New York. She then qualified for the final of the Women's 1500m at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, with a national indoor record time of 4:06.51. She finished tenth in the final with a time of 4:06.88. At the 2024 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 9, 2024, Maia set a new meet record to win the Mile in 4:25.13. On May 18, at the Los Angeles Grand Prix, she broke the national 1500m record with 4:02.58.
She then, on June 8, went on to win an NCAA title in the Women's 1500m to go back-to-back and forever cement her legacy within the NCAA.
She competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics for her country of New Zealand, where she made the semi-finals.
Maia signed with On and the OAC and is entering her rookie season with them.
In today's conversation, Maia takes me through XC memory throwbacks, reflections from her remarkable year in the NCAA, her biggest reflections from being the greatest runner in Harvard program history, her ambitions in this next chapter of life, and so much more.
Maia always brings deep insights to the table, and today is no different. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from one of the best!
Tap into the Maia Ramsden Special.
If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!
S H O W N O T E S
-REGISTER FOR FOOT LOCKER REGIONALS: http://footlockercc.com
-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en
-My Newsletter: https://therunningeffect.substack.com

Nov 20, 2024 • 30min
Villanova's Sadie Sigfstead On Her Recent Success In The Sport, The NCAA Recruitment Process, Why NCAA Women's Running Has Gotten So Much Better, & How She's Preparing For The Biggest Race Of Her Life
Today on the podcast is one of the best runners in the NCAA, Sadie Sigfstead.
Sadie competes for Villanova University where she has been one of the top performers in school history in the longer-distance events on the track and has started to cement her legacy on the grass as well.
She has run 4:25 in the 1500m, 9:17 in the 3k, 15:44 in the 5k, and 32:45 in the 10k.
Sadie is a multi-time Big-East Champion on the track and has three top-five finishes on the grass at the Big East Championships.
This 2024 Sadie won the prestigious 2024 Wisconsin Nuttycomb Invitational in stunning fashion.
She goes into the 2024 NCAA XC National Championships as one of the top contenders in the girl's race.
In today's conversation, Sadie takes me through her journey and progression within the sport, her favorite recovery techniques, what she attributes her recent growth and success to, her hopes for the 2024 NCAA XC Meet, her ambitions for her future running, and much more.
Tune in to hear from one of the top runners in the country ahead of one of the biggest races of her life!
Tap into the Sadie Sigfstead Special.
If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.
If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!
S H O W N O T E S
-REGISTER FOR FOOT LOCKER REGIONALS: http://footlockercc.com
-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en
-My Newsletter: https://therunningeffect.substack.com