THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

Jess McClain has become the new face of American women’s marathoning: a symbol of resilience, balance, and belief in one’s own path.A former collegiate standout at Stanford, she stepped into the pro ranks with Brooks, only to face years of injury, transition, and even stepping away from full-time running to build a life outside the sport. Jess never left the track mentally. In 2024, working full time and largely self-guided, she shocked the field by placing 4th in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, narrowly missing the team by seconds.Not content to be defined by near misses, she went on to win the USATF 10K title (setting a course record), she ran a breakthrough PR of 2:22:43 as top American at the Boston Marathon in 2025, and earned her place on Team USATF for the World Championships.In Tokyo this past summer, she finished 8th overall in the marathon, which was a stunning result on the biggest stage of all. This finish wasn’t a random burst; it was built on her modest-mileage, high-quality approach.As of 2025, Jess blends stride sessions, strength work twice weekly, and intentional rest; she also rejoined a coach-athlete relationship with David Roche in 2025. Her story isn’t solely about PRs and race placings, it’s also about redefining what’s possible when you craft your own path and control your narrative.Tap into the Jess McClain 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

Dr. Kristen Holmes, a sports scientist and former national-level athlete, shares her insights on the science of performance. She discusses the crucial role of sleep and recovery, emphasizing that sleep debt can severely impact cognitive function and safety. Kristen explores how lifestyle choices and circadian alignment can prevent chronic diseases, particularly for female athletes. Additionally, she highlights the importance of community and identity in driving personal change, while advocating for curiosity as a means to foster continuous growth.

Gary Martin, a standout collegiate distance runner at the University of Virginia, discusses his rapid rise in the sport, showcasing impressive PRs across distances. He delves into the importance of flexible training, emphasizing listening to one's body to prevent overtraining. As he approaches his final NCAA cross-country season, Martin reflects on team dynamics, the significance of proper fueling, and the mental strategies that drive him. He shares insights on transitioning from shorter events to longer races, highlighting the value of patience and consistent training.

In this enlightening conversation, Alex Ostberg, a coach-thinker and writer of The Rundown newsletter, delves into the unseen struggles runners face. He highlights cognitive traps that derail progress and explains how the sunk cost fallacy can hinder performance. Alex advocates for a scientific mindset in coaching, the myth of predictable progress, and the significance of handling bad days, suggesting these moments might be more valuable than they seem. With insights on flexibility in training and the importance of consistent efforts, Alex invites listeners to rethink their running journey.

Dathan Ritzenhein, a former elite distance runner and three-time Olympian, now leads the On Athletics Club, shaping world-class talent. He shares his passion for coaching, emphasizing the emotional rewards beyond accolades. The conversation dives into parenting athletes, reflecting on how family life balances sports, and the importance of consistency over brilliance. Dathan also discusses the evolving landscape of professional running and recruitment, maintaining a humble perspective amidst growing expectations. His wisdom on athlete development and coaching strategies is truly inspiring.

Fleet Feet CEO Joey Pointer has made a career of combining community-driven retail with cutting-edge data insights.His journey into running retail wasn't a straight line. Raised on a North Carolina farm, he began his professional life in accounting at Ernst & Young before joining Fleet Feet in 2004 as a financial manager. Over the next decade, he rose through the ranks: Director of Operations, CFO, and ultimately CEO in 2017. Along the way, he transformed Fleet Feet from a small specialty chain into a national leader with nearly 300 stores.What sets Pointer apart is his conviction that data can differentiate running retail. Under his leadership, Fleet Feet launched fit id® 3D scanning across its stores in 2017, collecting millions of scans to personalize footwear like never before. Of course, growth hasn't come without challenges. Pointer has been candid about navigating competitive pressures from powerhouse brands like On, Nike, and Hoka, while also integrating major acquisitions like JackRabbit and Marathon Sports.In recent months, Fleet Feet has kept expanding, marking anniversaries across nearly 300 shops in 2025 and pushingforward with its goal to make community-based retail thrive in the digital age. Pointer also deepened his community ties, joining the national board of Girls on the Run International, reflecting his belief that running should be a force for good.Tap into the Joey Pointer 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

Swedish long-distance runner Andreas Almgren shares insights from his remarkable journey to winning bronze in the 10,000 meters at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. He discusses the challenges and strategies behind his record-breaking performances, including his ambitious goal to shatter the European half marathon record in Valencia. Almgren reflects on the mental game before races and the significance of his medal for Sweden. He also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and adapting training methods for success.

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.