THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

Ethan Strand isn’t a prospect anymore: he’s the problem everyone else is trying to solve. Just months after rewriting the NCAA record books with blistering indoor times in the mile (3:48.32) and 3,000m (7:30.15), Ethan took another quantum leap—this time on the pro stage.In only his second race as a professional, he lined up at Hayward Field for the U.S. Championships and ran 3:30.25 in the 1500 meters, finishing second in a stacked field and earning his first senior Team USA berth for the World Championships in Tokyo.He’s back on the show with The Tokyo World Championships right around the corner. What makes this moment even more remarkable is the velocity of his ascent. From his days as a state-record holder at Vestavia Hills High School to his reign at UNC (where he became the first collegiate athlete ever to break both the indoor mile and 3,000m records in the same season), Ethan’s trajectory has been jaw-dropping.In Eugene, he didn’t just hang with the nation's best. He outkicked nearly all of them, including Olympic and World Championship finalists. His 3:30.25 ranks as the second-fastest in NCAA history and confirmed what close followers of the sport have sensed for a while: Ethan Strand is trying to become one of the best to ever do it.In today's conversation, Ethan walks me through this remarkable, career-defining result, as well as his newfound ambition as a pro. Why he thinks he can compete with anyone in the world and what it's going to take to get to the top. We dive deep into his recent races and future beliefs. Don't miss this one. Tap into the 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. 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

Straight out of Melbourne, Adam Spencer is bringing a new level of hunger and hustle to global middle-distance running.Adam is one of the brightest new stars in global middle-distance running. Raised in Melbourne, Australia, he started outas a promising soccer player before discovering his natural talent on the track as a teenager. Since then, Adam’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric.At just 23 years old, Adam holds personal bests of 3:31.81 for 1500 meters, 1:46.84 for 800 meters, a blistering 3:52.70 in the indoor mile, and 7:40.38 for 3000 meters indoors.He’s an NCAA All-American, Australian 1500m champion, and made global headlines in the 1500 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics by making it to the repechage round.Beyond the records and medals lies a story of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity. Adam has gone from overcoming injuries and setbacks as a junior to standing on the world’s biggest stages, all while following a unique and thoughtful training philosophy that’s fueled his breakthrough.Today, Adam is based between Melbourne and international training camps, with his sights set on the World Championships and the LA 2028 Olympics. He’s also inspiring the next generation of runners as a mentor and advocate for mental health.If you don’t already know him, here is the Melbourne Miler himself, Adam Spencer.In today's conversation, Adam takes me through his successful years in the NCAA, his goals and ambitions for the future, coming from another country into the NCAA system, his goals for Tokyo if he qualifies, and much more. Tap into the Coach Adam 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-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

What happens when you blend world-class wisdom with small-town humility?When a coach chooses joy over burnout, purpose over pressure, yet still builds champions from high school tracks to the Olympic stage?You get Coach Mike Scannell.Yes, he’s the architect behind Grant Fisher’s rise: from Arizona high school prodigy to Olympic double bronze medalist and six-time American record holder. But Scannell’s impact goes far beyond one legendary partnership.Before coaching, he was THE athlete. A 2:16 marathoner. A 29:02 10K guy. A two-time Olympic Trials qualifier who raced alongside some of the best of his era. He won the inaugural Phoenix City Marathon in 1987 and helped the U.S. win the 10K team title in 1988. Even into his 40s, he was still on the podium at the USATF Cross Country Championships. What makes Scannell different isn’t just his resume, it’s his philosophy: trust over control, long-term growth over short-term gains. Whether it’s building state championship programs at Powers, Brophy Prep, or Hamilton High School, or developing over 38 individual state champions, he leads with a mindset that centers athlete happiness, not just performance.His coaching record speaks for itself: Footlocker and Dream Mile national titles, multiple state records in the 1600, Olympic Trials qualifiers, and Olympians. Mike Scannell is more than a coach. He’s a builder of people, a strategist with soul, and a living masterclass in what it means to chase the long game.In today's conversation, we dive deep into the journey, philosophy, and mindsets of Coach Scannell. We his athletes, his training, his ideas, and so much more. This one was a treat. Don't miss the free wisdom handed out. Tap into the Coach Mike Scannell 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

There are legends in running, and then there are people who make legends possible.Returning to the show is Deena Kastor: Olympic medalist, former American record-holder in the marathon, and one of the most decorated distance runners in U.S. history.But beyond the stats and finish lines, Deena’s journey has always been rooted in resilience, reinvention, and deep mentorship.Today, she’s here to reflect on the recent passing of her coach and lifelong mentor, Dr. Joe Vigil—a towering figure in American distance running who helped shape not just her stride, but her spirit. Deena has already shared powerful words about that emotional goodbye, the lessons he passed on, and how his voice still echoes through every run she takes. Now, we get to go even deeper into that story: one built on trust, transformation, and legacy.We’ll also celebrate the iconic moments that defined her career: from that unforgettable bronze medal in Athens, to her blazing 2:19:36 American marathon record, and countless victories across the track, roads, and cross-country course.This conversation is a tribute to greatness: in performance, in mentorship, and in what it means to carry someone’s legacy forward.In today's conversation, Deena pays tribute to her coach in his passing, the lessons she's learned from him, untold stories from Coach Vigil's life, the legecy he left, and so much more. This one was touching and inspiring all at once. Be blessed by hearing about the life of a man whose life transformed the sport you love so dearly. Tap into the Deena Kastor 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

While other pros are napping in NormaTecs, Matthew Marquardt is doing rounds in med school while still torching Ironman courses. Matthew is a two-time Ironman champion who just shattered the Lake Placid course record with a blistering 7:50:08. A month earlier, he dominated Ironman Cairns, closing the marathon with a fearless 2:39:47.And here’s the kicker, he’s also a full-time medical student at Ohio State.That’s right, while most pros are recovering with fancy gadgets, Matthew least Marquardt is on hospital rotations. He’s up at 4 a.m., trains between cases, and still finds a way to run down world-class fields.What makes his story even more compelling? He comes from an elite swimming background. Think state records and Ivy League titles at Princeton. and has made one of the most seamless transitions into professional triathlon we’ve seen. He races with initials of loved ones impacted by cancer etched on his bike. And he’s deeply committed to using sport not just as performance, but as a platform for purpose.From cancer advocacy to med-school resilience, Matthew’s story is one of purpose-driven performance.In today's conversation, Matthew takes me through his meteoric rise in traitholin, training 25-30 hours a week while being a full-time med student, his ambitions for the future, his desire to get into cancer research, and wisdom for the next generation.Tap into the Matthew Marquardt 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

Alex Ostberg is back again, ready to unpack the powerful, and often overlooked, mental side of training. In this July roundup, Alex breaks down the four most impactful lessons from his newsletter The Rundown: covering everything from tapering tweaks to placebo power.If you’ve ever second-guessed your workouts, tried to copy what the pros are doing, or sabotaged yourself before race day—this  episode is your antidote. First up, Alex covers why copying elite runners can backfire, and how to train for yourself, not someone else’s blueprint. Next, he discusses the placebo effect redefined, how it’s not a trick, but a training tool rooted in belief and biology. Then it’s onto the taper trap: how overthinking and last-minute adjustments ruin weeks of hard work (and how to stop). Lastly, he examines the hidden role of mindset across every training phase, and how to build routines that boost performance from the inside out. Alex is ready to show how success isn’t about replication, it’s about personalization; that belief isn’t fake; it’s a real driver of results; and how trusting the plan matters just as much as writing a good one.Alex is a former D1 All-American, coach, and creator of The Rundown, one of the most practical and honest newsletters in running. His approach blends elite-level insight with grounded, actionable strategies every runner can use.Tap into the Alex Ostberg Rundown 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-The Science of a Taper-How To Stop Sabotaging Your Taper-The Placebo Effect Isn’t A Trick – It’s A Tool-Don’t Copy The Winner-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

If you follow high school distance running, you already know the buzz is real.Caden Leonard has emerged as one of the most dominant prep runners in the country, and his résumé is growing almost as fast as his closing kick.Let’s start with the highlights: he’s a two-time Texas 6A Cross Country State Champion; he was the 2025 Texas 6A State Track “Double Gold” winner in the 1600m and 3200m; he came in 2nd place at the Brooks PR Invitational, clocking an impressive 8:50.22 for two miles; he came in 3rd place at Nike Cross Nationals, earning All-American honors; and was back-to-back Gatorade Texas Cross Country Player of the Year.And when it comes to personal records? Caden’s stats speak for themselves: he’s run 4:04 in the mile; 8:50 in the two-mile; 14:33 in the 5,000m (Cross Country); and 14:19 in the 5,000m on the track.What makes Caden’s story even more compelling is how he runs. Not just fast, but smart. He’s been described as “a surgeon on the course,” known for his surgical precision in pacing, tactics, and race-day execution. Within that racing tactician, there’s a young man driven by purpose, humility, and a clear mission: to win—and grow—in every sense.Caden is getting ready to transition to the University of North Carolina, so this is a prime time to check in with him and see where his head is at.In today's conversation, Tap into the Caden Leonard 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 SNORDVPN DEAL: https://nordvpn.com/podcast/?coupon=runningeffect&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_term=&utm_content&utm_campaign=off910&utm_source=aff71451-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

At 15, Sam Ruthe is breaking records and shattering expectations.With a jaw-dropping 3:58.35 mile, he became the youngest human ever to break four minutes, vaulting himself into the global spotlight.But if you know his story, none of this feels like a fluke.Running is in Sam’s blood.His grandfather was a Commonwealth Games steeplechaser.His parents? Both competitive runners.You can’t fake that kind of DNA.The stuff he has accomplished outside of just the mile already are dumbfounding:In November of 2024 he broke the New Zealand U17/U18 3000m record (with a time of 8:09.68).On February 1 of this year he won the senior national 3000m title in 7:56.18, becoming the youngest ever to do so.On February 9 of this year he ran 3:41.25 in the 1500m, which was faster than Jakob Ingebrigtsen did at the same age.On March 9 of this year he went toe-to-toe with Sam Tanner at the NZ Senior Champs, tying in 3:44.31 in the 1500m.And then on March 19 he blew past the four-minute mile barrier with a 3:58.35.And those are just the headlines.In 2025 alone, he clocked 1:50.57 in the 800m, 3:39.17 in the 1500m and 7:56.18 in the 3,000m.These aren’t “great for his age.”They’re just great.Full stop.Sam is humble, calculated, and deeply thoughtful—the kind of athlete who makes you rethink what’s possible at any age.If you coach, compete, or love seeing the future before it’s fully arrived — don’t miss this one.In today's conversation, Sam takes me through his training, mindset, and ambitions.We go into him being the youngest person to ever break 4 minutes in the mile, training with professional runners, and so much more.Remember the name.Tap into the Sam Ruthe 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 SThe Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rsBUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.runOur Website: https://therunningeffect.runTHE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQMy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=enTake our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Marco Langon went from prepping meals in a back kitchen to torching NCAA record books as one of the fastest middle-distance runners in collegiate history.We’re talking 3:33.38 in the 1500m (2nd-fastest in NCAA history); 3:54.60 in the mile; 7:36.87 in the 3,000m; and 13:14.11 in the 5,000m. And he is still a junior at Villanova.But the stats are just the start. Marco’s a 2025 NCAA 5000m bronze medalist (13:21.17), a multiple-time All-American(indoor, outdoor, and cross country), and the anchor of Villanova’s record-breaking 4×Mile relay at the Penn Relays (15:51.91). He’s also a 3-time Big East 5000m champ, each with record times, and he brought home a World XC U20 bronze with Team USA in 2023.Currently ranked Top 3 in Villanova history across four distances (1500, mile, 3,000m, and 5,000m), he’s running times that prove he may be a serious player for many years to come. Oh, and he just made history off the track too: Marco became the first NCAA track athlete to sign with Diadora, using his NIL deal to help set himself up for the future.And now, the USATF Outdoor Championships (July 31–Aug 3, Hayward Field) could be his next launching point, and maybe even to Worlds in Tokyo.From the kitchen to the track, Marco’s story is pure fire. In today's conversation, Marco walks me through his remarkable journey and coming out of great adversity growing up as a kid, going to Villanova on a full scholarship, and what that meant to him, what motivates him, why everyone has doubts, why he's so honest, and so much more.This is a must-listen to episode. Tap into the Marco Langon 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

From shattering age-group records before most kids knew how to pace a 400, to stepping onto the Olympic stage with grace, grit, and God-given speed, Brandon Miller’s journey is nothing short of electric.At just 13 years old, he clocked a jaw-dropping 1:56 in the 800m. By 14, it was 1:51. A middle school phenom who didn’tjust peak early, he kept accelerating toward greatness.High school? Dominant. Eight straight AAU Junior Olympic titles, Gatorade National Track Athlete of the Year, and mile splits that left jaws on the track.Then came Texas A&M, where he stamped his name on the NCAA with an indoor 800m title, a World U20 best in the 600 (with a time of 1:15.49), and a bronze at Nationals. The breakthrough? Third place in the U.S. Championships in 2022. And by 2024, he was in Paris, not just to watch, but to compete with the best mid-distance runners in the world, reaching the semifinals in the 800m. Fast forward to this season, he’s now running professionally with the Brooks Beasts Track Club, under coach Danny Mackey, putting up wild numbers like a 1:43.52 in the 800, and a fresh 3:35.27 in the 1500. From a teenage prodigy to a global contender, Brandon’s story is about more than speed. So get ready to go beyond the stopwatch, as we chat with the mind that has shaped one of America’s most electrifying middle-distance talents.In today's conversation, Brandon takes me through his mindset, lessons from training with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Josh Kerr, making the Olympics, growing up in a competitive household, his ambitions to medal at World's this year, and advice for the next generation.This one is an all-timer. Don't miss one of my favorite conversations from this year. Tap into the Brandon Miller 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