
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 6, 2023 • 41min
Notre Dame's Olivia Markezich On Placing 3rd At NCAA XC + Her Thoughts Before Running 8:40 In The 3k (#2 ALL-TIME)
Back on the podcast, straight off of two historic performances is the one and only Olivia Markezich!
Olivia placed 3rd at the 2023 NCAA XC Championships in Charlotte, Virgina last month. That incredible performance led her team to a 4th place finish! This was also one week after coming down with sickness.
A few week short weeks later, she opened up the indoor season with a time of 8:40.42 in the 3k, breaking her own school record which was previously set last season as she ran an 8:50.08. Her time of 8:40.42 also ranks #2 all-time!
Earlier this year, Olivia won the 3000M steeplechase at the 2023 NCAA Championships with a remarkable time of 9:25.03, setting a facility record at the University of Texas. She has excelled in various other events, such as the 5000M, and showcased her versatility in indoor competitions, earning a national runner-up in the 3000M and contributing to her team's success in the distance medley relay.
In today's conversation, Olivia takes me through her whole XC season, the ups, downs, and everything in-between. We also dicuss her signing an NIL deal with On, deciding to return to Notre Dame rather than go pro, her Spotify wrapped, and so much more!
Tap into the Olivia Markezich Special.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching "The Running Effect Podcast." 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.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo
S H O W N O T E S
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Dec 4, 2023 • 41min
The Call Room Rising Stars: Maddie Gardiner & Reese Dalton On The Power Of Friendship | Qualifying For Nationals Together As Teammates
Today on The Call Room, Rising Stars are Foot Locker Qualifiers and Teammates Maddie Gardiner & Reese Dalton.
Maddie holds PRs of 4:58 (1600), 10:24 (3200), 16:53 (XC). She is a 2xVISAA DII XC State Champ, 1xVISAA DII XC Runner-up, 2xVISAA DII 3200 State Champ, and 2021/2022/2023 XC National Finalist. Maddie is committed to run for The University of North Carolina next year.
Reese holds PRs of 2:13 (800), 4:47 (1600), 10:25 (3200), 16:58 (XC). She is the 2023 VISAA XC state champ, 2xVISAA 800, State Champ, the VISAA 1600m State Champ, and qualified for both NXN and Foot Locker. Reese is committed to run for The University of North Carolina next year.
In today's conversation, Maddie and Reese share their stories, their training, the value of having each other in life/training everyday,
Tune in to hear from two of the brightest young stars in the nation before they tackle the National Meet this weekend at Balboa Park! This conversation was so much fun and I hope you'll tune in.
Tap into the Maddie Gardiner & Reese Dalton Special.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." 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.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-TUNE INTO FOOT LOCKER HERE: https://footlockercc.com
-THE HOKA CRESCENDO XC: https://www.hoka.com/en/gb/race/crescendo-xc/196565567727.html
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Dec 2, 2023 • 1h
Ana Alarcon On The World Of Brand Communications + Running The NYC Marathon
Today on the podcast is the one and only Ana Alarcon!
Ana is a Brand Communications Lead at On. She's been with the company for over three years and has been a part of the company's massive growth.
Ana also finished her first marathon at the 2023 New York City Marathon!
Today's episode was such an awesome opportunity to have a unique conversation about the brand side of one of the biggest running shoe companies in the world. Ana takes me through the marketing side of the storytelling of a company and so much more!
Ana also goes through her personal story, her experience at the NYC Marathon, her future ambitions, and so much more!
This was such a fun episode and conversation; perfect for your weekend runs!
Tap into the Ana Alarcon Special.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." 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.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Nov 30, 2023 • 32min
The Call Room Rising Stars: Thomas Westphal On His Journey From 22min 5k To Sub 15 & Regional Champ
Today on The Call Room, Rising Stars is the Midwest Regional Champ, Thomas Westphal!
If you're not familiar with Thomas, he has been on an absolute tear over the past few months. He holds PRs of 1:50.8 (800m), 4:10.01 (1600m), 8:55.30 (3200m), 14:57 (5k XC). He was the state runner-up indoors in the 3200, runner-up in the 1600m outdoors, and runner-up at the state cross country meet. Thomas most recently won the 2023 Hoka Foot Locker Midwest Regional. Thomas is committed to run for Michigan State next Fall.
In today's conversation, Thomas recaps his incredible performance at the Midwest Regional, his story of progression within running, his ambitions for Foot Locker, his decision to commit to MSU, his training, and so much more!
Tune in to hear from one of the brightest young stars in the nation before he tackles the National Meet.
Tap into the Thomas Westphal Special.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." 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.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-THE HOKA CRESCENDO XC: https://www.hoka.com/en/gb/race/crescendo-xc/196565567727.html
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Nov 28, 2023 • 1h 1min
Robert Brandt Is Back: Inside The Comeback & Chase Of An Olympic Trials Qualifier
The last time Robert Brandt was on the podcast, we were announcing his retirement from the sport.
This time, we're announcing his comeback.
For those who aren't familiar with him, Robert was one of the top runners in the NCAA during his time at Cal Berkeley, UCLA, and then Georgetown, having six first-team All-American performances. He's run 3:55 in the Mile, 13:19 in the 5k (19th All-Time in the NCAA) & 27:39 in the 10k (19th All-Time in the NCAA). He was an Olympic Trials Finalist 5k and 10k
and holds the schools record at Georgetown in the 5k and 10k
Robert will be making his return to the sport on December 10 at The California International Marathon, where he will be aiming to qualify for the Olympic Trials in Orlando, Florida.
In today's episode, Robert goes through his decision to come back to the sport in some capacity, his new outlook on the sport, recent training, starting beef, what the future might hold for him, and so much more.
Anytime Rob comes on the podcast, it is bound to be a banger episode, and today is no exception. There are lots of good stories and wisdom in today's episode that you will not want to miss out on.
Tap into the Robert Brandt Special.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." 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.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Nov 26, 2023 • 1h 24min
Inside Running 50 Miles At 5:46 Pace To Set A World Record With Charlie Lawrence
Today on the podcast is the 50-Mile World Record Holder Charlie Lawrence!
Charlie ran 4:48:21 at the Tunnel Hill 50 Mile in Vienna, Illinois, on November 11, 2023. The previous record of 4:50:08 was set by legend Jim Walmsley. Charlie ran 64:14 in the half marathon and 2:16:10 in the marathon twice. Charlie also paced Des Linden to her 50k WR. Charlie placed 6th place at the 2021 U.S. 50k Championships and is looking to do bigger and better things in 2024.
Before all of these accolades, Charlie ran for The University of Minnesota, where he consistently contributed to the team.
In today's episode, Charlie and I go through his backstory in the sport, being coached by his mom, the growth that happened at Minnesota, continuing in the sport post-NCAA, his insane 145-mile weeks, this 50-Mile WR, what's next, and more.
This conversation is the perfect one for a longer run. Filled with entertaining stories and wisdom, this one delivers. I hope you all enjoy this one as much as we did having it!
Tap into the Charlie Lawrence Special.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." 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.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo!
S H O W N O T E S
-2Before: Code: "THERUNNINGEFFECT30" for 30% off: https://2before.com/
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Nov 24, 2023 • 49min
Zach Kreft On Setting Records In HS, Winning The Columbus Marathon While Working A Full-Time Job, & Lessons From His NCAA Running
Today on the podcast is the one and only certified Ohio legend, Zach Kreft.
Zach is fresh off of a 1-0 in the distance of the Marathon, having won the 2023 Columbus Marathon in a time of 2:18:05. All the more impressive, he did that while training through his full-time job.
Zach holds PRs of 4:03 (Mile), 7:59 (3k), 13:51 (5k), 29:15 (10k), and 2:18:05 (Marathon).
In high school, Zach set the Ohio high school 5K record with a time of 14:29. He was a Two-time state and regional champion, three-time district champion, and four-time conference champion (cross country). He also won two state championships in track, two regional titles, four district championships, and was a 12-time conference champion.
Zach then went on to Notre Dame, where he was a part of the Notre Dame Squad that won an ACC Team Championship. Zach transferred after his years at Notre Dame to finish his career at Walsh, where he was a 4xAll-American.
In today's episode, Zach goes through training while having a full-time job, winning the 2023 Columbus Marathon, his years at Notre Dame & Walsh, and a deep-dive into his years of domination in the great state of Ohio.
I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and diving into Zach's story. A lot of great nuggets of wisdom as well. I hope you all enjoy this one as much as we did having it!
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." 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.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo
S H O W N O T E S
-2Before: Code: "THERUNNINGEFFECT30" for 30% off: https://2before.com/
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Nov 22, 2023 • 54min
Olympian Andrew Wheating On How He's Giving Back To The Sport + The Importance Of Discussing Mental Health
Back on the podcast, is fan favorite and interant sensation Andrew Wheating. The man who reached over 4 million people from a clip of our last episode together.
Andy is currently the Operations and Content Manager at the On Athletics Club. But long before Andy was working for On to push forward the sport, he was running world-class times and making history on the track. From 2008 to 2012, he won three NCAA titles, made two Olympic teams and a World Championship team, and ran personal bests of 1:44.56 for 800, 3:30.90 for 1500, and 3:51.74 for the mile.
Today's conversation is real, open, raw, and one of my all-time favorites because of that. The most impactful thing about it for me was Andy opening up about mental health and the importance of dicussing it for athletes.
We also get into the day-to-day of Andy's job progressing the OAC/On as a company, an egg nog mile he did back in the day, when one can start listening to Christmas music, and more.
This is another all-timer that you won't want to miss.
Tap into the Andy Wheating Special.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." 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.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-2Before: Code: "THERUNNINGEFFECT30" for 30% off: https://2before.com/
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Nov 21, 2023 • 45min
The Call Room Rising Stars: Patrick Koon On Winning His 6th State Championship, Training Stories, & Hopes Of Winning A National Title
Today on The Call Room Rising Stars is the one and only Patrick Koon (aka King Koon).
If you're not familiar with Patrick, he has been on an absolute tear over the past few years. He holds PRs of 8:44.95 (3200m), 14:11.92 (5k), and 4:14.3 (Mile). He's a 3xFHSAA 3A XC state champ and 2xFHSAA Track State Champ. He was a 2021 Footlocker National Qualifier and holds State Records in the 3200m and 5000m. Patrick was also the 2022-2023 Flordia Boys Cross Country Player Of The Year. Patrick is committed to run for Stanford University next Fall.
In today's conversation, I give Patrick a new nickname, he recaps his season, including his state meet that he won the day we recorded, his plans for FL Regionals, his thoughts on Nationals, and much more. Anytime King Koon comes on the podcast, it is a banger, and today is no exception.
Tune in to hear from one of the brightest young stars in the nation before he tackles the postseason.
Tap into the King Koon Special.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." 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.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo.
S H O W N O T E S
-SIGN UP FOR FOOT LOCKER REGIONALS HERE: https://footlockercc.com/
-THE HOKA CRESCENDO XC: https://www.hoka.com/en/gb/race/crescendo-xc/196565567727.html
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

Nov 19, 2023 • 47min
The Climb To The Top: Mario Garcia Romo On Running 3:47 In The Mile, How To Beat Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Giving Back To The Sport, & Learning The Piano
Back on the podcast, fresh off of a historic season, is The Spanish Rocket Mario Garcia Romo.
This season, Mario ran a Spanish National Record 3:47 in the Mile at the Diamond League Final, ran 3:29 in the 1500m in Oslo, placed 6th in the 1500m at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, and had multiple top performances at Diamond Leagues around the world.
In high school, Mario had personal bests of 1:50.66 in the 800m, 3:42.35 in the 1500m, and 8:12 in the 3000m. Mario then went to Ole Miss, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the top runners in the nation. Mario was a 7-time All-American & 6-time SEC Champion. Perhaps the pinnacle of his NCAA years, Mario won the Mile at the 2022 Indoor Track and Field Championships. He placed fourth at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. That same summer, he placed third at the European Championships in the 1500m.
In today's episode, Mario goes through his fall training, learning how to play the piano, his big performances from 2023, takeaways and reflections from the seasons, how he wants to give back to the sport, and so much more!
This is one of my favorite episodes ever in the history of the podcast! Mario always brings his A-Game with insightful answers and a fun spirit. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the fastest runners in the world!
Tap into the Mario Garcia Romo Special.
You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching "The Running Effect Podcast." 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.
The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo
S H O W N O T E S
-2Before: Code: "THERUNNINGEFFECT30" for 30% off: https://2before.com/
-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en