THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

Isaiah Photo, a content creator turned endurance runner, shares his incredible journey of running six marathons on six continents in just six days. He discusses the challenges of sleep deprivation and nutrition during the grueling feat, as well as his decision to fly economy to keep the experience relatable. Isaiah reflects on the emotional ups and downs he faced, including an airport breakdown and the inspiring support from his hometown of Austin. He also offers advice on persistence and reveals his ambitious future plans for running adventures.

Conner Mantz, an elite marathoner and Olympic Trials winner, joins his wife Kylie, a rising star in running, as they share their unique journeys in competitive sports. They discuss Kylie's rapid growth, her emotional experience running her first marathon in Fresno, and the dynamics of pacing each other on race day. The couple reflects on their relationship, emphasizing shared values, growth during separation, and the balance of personal dreams with love and support. Their story highlights the joy of running and the strength gained from facing challenges together.

Haftu Knight is an Ethiopian-born professional marathoner who transitioned from shepherding in Ethiopia to elite racing in the U.S. He shares insights on embracing a marathon mindset, reflecting on pivotal moments, including running alongside Galen Rupp. His journey from high school runner to NCAA champion showcases his dedication. With coach Jeff Cunningham at Bat City Track Club, he emphasizes the importance of community and preparation. Haftu's story inspires aspiring runners to show up and embrace their personal journeys.

Elise Cranny, a two-time U.S. Olympian and record-holding distance runner, dives into her journey of resilience and self-trust. She discusses the challenges of returning after breaks, the importance of nutrition in sustaining energy, and her evolving goals. Elise shares insights on balancing results with joy and finding peace in training, encouraging athletes to focus on consistency over flashy achievements. She reflects on the influence of coaches and the significance of rekindling passion, all while embracing both the rigors and joys of the sport.

Yaseen Abdalla, an elite distance runner from Sudan, shares his journey of resilience and ambition, boasting remarkable records from the mile to the marathon. He candidly recounts a harrowing marathon experience, discussing the importance of internal toughness and family motivation. Yaseen emphasizes the need for personal accountability in success, while critiquing NCAA coaching quality. He believes hard work can surpass raw talent and stresses the significance of balance in life and training. Follow him on social media for insight into his upcoming events and philosophies.

Kole Mathison, a rising NCAA distance star and national champion, shares his journey from injury struggles to impressive achievements at the University of Colorado. He discusses the importance of patience in athletics, the dynamics of cross country culture, and the pressures faced by young athletes. Kole delves into the significance of relationships with teammates and finding fulfillment beyond performance goals. He also emphasizes staying grounded amidst NCAA challenges while nurturing a deep love for the sport.

In 2025, Herriman High’s Jackson Spencer became the name every prep distance fan had to know.The Utah standout, who is headed to BYU next year, opened his season with a victory at the Simplot Games 3200m (8:56.03), then surged into spring with a breakthrough 8:51.26 at the Arcadia Invitational. His momentum carried into June, where he unleashed a 4:02.56 mile and 3:46.22 1500m at the HOKA Festival of Miles, performances that placed him among the fastest prep milers in the country. Just weeks later, he anchored Herriman High’s 4x800-meter relay to a national high school record of 7:26.12 at New Balance Nationals Outdoor.By October, Spencer had proven his range extended well beyond the track. At the ASICS Clovis Invitational, he shattered the storied Woodward Park course record with a 14:16.9. Balancing excellence with humility, the 2025 Gatorade Utah Boys Track & Field Player of the Year embodies both athletic drive and academic focus. His progression—from indoor champion to outdoor record-setter to cross country course dominator—reflects rare versatility and discipline.As he looks beyond Herriman, Spencer’s times and trajectory point toward a seamless leap to the collegiate ranks. Whether chasing sub-four on the track or new records on the roads, his next chapter promises to include lots of record-chasing performances. Tap into the Jackson Spencer 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. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-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-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Mike Smith, a veteran distance coach, built a powerhouse at Northern Arizona University before joining Nike's Swoosh Track Club. He shares insights on transitioning to professional coaching and the emotional farewell to his collegiate athletes. Smith emphasizes the importance of team culture, teaching athletes to embrace humility and resilience. He discusses the critical habits that separate good from world-class athletes, and the life lessons that running imparts beyond just winning. His philosophy centers on purpose, presence, and the value of the journey.

Sacrifice, grit, burnout, and the fight to be great: this month’s Rundown Recap dives into four stories that every driven person needs to hear.The fellas kick things off with “Sacrifice Isn’t Sustainable,” a raw look at how constantly grinding and giving everything can start to take more than it gives. What happens when the thing you love starts burning you out?Then, in “The Art of Championship Racing,” they unpack what separates the good from the great when everything’s on the line; the mindset, the confidence, and the quiet control it takes to rise in the biggest moments.Next up is “Fuel for the Work Required,” a reminder that there’s no secret sauce, just consistency, simplicity, and showing up when no one’s watching. And finally, “Resist the Pull of Mediocrity” challenges all of us to fight against comfort, to refuse to settle for “good enough,” and to keep pushing toward what we’re truly capable of.It’s one of those conversations that goes way beyond running,it’s about mindset, ambition, and how to build a life around doing hard things well. Tune in, this month’s edition might be the reset you didn’t know you needed.Tap into the Rundown Recap 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. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W   N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-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-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Claire Manley went from chasing PRs on the track to building a storytelling engine for athletes and running brands.She is the co-founder of Meet @ 7 Studios, a women-led social media and personal branding agency designed for professional runners and endurance athletes.Her work focuses on giving athletes Fortune 500-level strategy and visibility while helping them own their stories and reach new audiences.Before becoming a strategist and agency founder, Claire carved out her own story on the track.A walk-on at Gonzaga University, she battled her way to captaincy and scholarship status while setting a 5000m personal best of 16:31.06 at the Oxy Invitational (in May of 2019), along with collegiate bests of 10:04 for 3000m and 4:47 for 1500m, and qualifying for the NCAA West Preliminary Round that year.Her career timeline includes stops at Nike-sponsored Bowerman Track Club, where she built global community programs and launched the BTC Summer Training Program that drew participants from across 40 states and eight countries.Today, she runs Claire Manley Consulting in Brooklyn, continuing that momentum through her independent strategy work.Most recently, Claire has been active in Gonzaga’s alumni ecosystem, engaging with career treks that connect current students to NYC’s marketing and branding scene.While she may not be lining up for NCAA championships anymore, her presence in the endurance space remains sharp, shaping the way athletes connect, communicate, and thrive in an increasingly digital sport.Tap into the Claire Manley 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.Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen.If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-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-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz