THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

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

Caleb Olson, the 2025 Western States 100 champion, juggles his victory with a full-time job and new fatherhood. He shares how he developed mental resilience and confidence to break through in ultrarunning. The viral impact of his unique Nike shirt and its cooling benefits adds a fun twist to his story. Caleb reflects on the balance between elite competition and family life, while considering the contrasting beauty of Seattle and Utah's trails. His insights into embracing nature and overcoming challenges are truly inspiring.

Pierce Showe is redefining what consistency, conviction, and calling look like in the world of ultra-endurance running.He just broke the Guinness World Record for most consecutive half marathons on a treadmill—running 13.1 miles every single day for 125 days straight—and he’s here to talk about what it took, and why it mattered.As a running coach and motivational content creator, Pierce is on a mission that’s as physical as it is spiritual.Driven by faith, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose, he’s showing the world that you don’t need a podium to be powerful, you just need a reason that moves you.But let’s be clear: Pierce has landed on those podiums, too.His ultra-running resume speaks volumes: 1st place at the Miami 100 (100-mile race) in 21:23:00 (2024); 1st place at the Coyote Trail Run (50-mile trail race) in 9:54:59 (2023); 3rd place at the Blazin' Summer Sufferfest (54 km) in 6:12:06 (2024).His personal records are strong: 21:23:00 for 100 miles; 10:41:48 for 100k; and 9:54:59 for 50 miles.From battling dark mental stretches mid-race to climbing onto a treadmill before dawn, Pierce is here to share what keeps him grounded, what fuels his discipline, and how he's turning mileage into meaning.From the trail to the screen, Pierce isn’t just building endurance, he’s looking to build impact.And through every step, he proves that transformation doesn’t start with the legs.It starts with belief.In today's conversation, Pierce takes me through this wild endeavor and adventure, the crazy stories that come with breaking a world record, what comes next for him, why he wears a "Jesus is King" shirt, the power of consistency, and lessons he's learned along the way.Tap into the Pierce Showe 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

Sondre Guttormsen not only cleared six meters, but he launched past expectations, limits, and borders, and is considered one of the best to ever do it in the world of pole vault.He's a European champion, a two-time Olympian, a three-time NCAA champion, and one of the elite few in pole vault's six-meter club.In 2023, he made history as the first-ever Norwegian to win the European Indoor Championships, clearing 5.80 m with zero misses. Two years later, he backed it up with a bronze medal at the 2025 European Indoors, going even higher at 5.90 m.In the NCAA, he collected three titles (indoor champion in 2022 and 2023, and outdoor champ in 2022). In March 2023, he tied the collegiate indoor record at 6.00 m, joining the sport's most exclusive club.He's competed on the biggest stage as well: a two-time Olympian, reaching the final in Paris 2024 and finishing 8th.But that's just the surface.He's been through his share of adversity on the way to the top. Fresh off that European gold, he flew 11,000 miles across time zones on no rest, and still tied the NCAA indoor record. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he suffered a quad injury during qualification, missing out on the final. Four years later, he came back stronger to make the final in Paris.This is a front-row seat to one of the most relentless minds in track and field.In today's conversation, Sondre walks me through his legendary career, the ups, downs, and everything in-between. Look, I know nothing about Pole Vaulting, so this was a masterclass in the sport from one of the best himself. Expect to learn all of the ins and outs of the sport and ways Sondre is trying to become one of the greatest to ever do it. Tap into the Sondre Guttormsen 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

PSA: the audio on this is weird. We have no clue why it's like this, but I would rather release then it never see the light of day. He went from Rapid City to Hayward Field. From high school phenom to NCAA standout. And now, toeing the line with the best in the world, Simeon Birnbaum is bridging the levels in a way few athletes do.In his return to the show, we catch up with Simeon just 24 hours after his electric 3:56.64 mile at the Prefontaine Classic—his first real taste of pro racing on one of the sport's biggest stages.This isn't a rehash of what you already know. We're looking ahead: what it felt like lining up against Diamond League vets, how that race taught him more than any workout ever could, and why he's hungrier than ever to chase greatness at the highest level.The journey that brought him here is important, though: like the 3:57.53 mile he ran as a high school senior (and the 3:59.51 he clocked as a junior), the 1:47.96 800m speed he still carries, and the 3:37.02 1500m PR he dropped this spring at Oregon Twilight. Add in his 13:31.87 5000m from Big Tens (a meet record), and you're looking at one of the most versatile young talents in U.S. distance running. He came in 7th in the 1500m at NCAA outdoors in June of 2025. From his days winning 13 South Dakota state titles and earning 2023 HS Boys Athlete of the Year, to bouncing back from early setbacks in his freshman year and finishing 3rd at NCAAs in the 1500m, Simeon's story is just getting started.Whether you're a high schooler dreaming big or a fan of the sport tracking the next American great, this is the kind of conversation you'll want in your earpods for your next long run.In today's conversation, Simeon gives me a deep dive look into his Sophomore year. We dicuss the tactics, training, and races that made it successful. We walk through his first-ever NCAA Outdoor Championships, running the Pre-Classic, and his ambitions for domination in the future.Simeon Birnbaum is on the podcast. Don't miss it. Tap into the Simeon Birnbaum 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

This isn’t just a running interview. It’s a front-row seat to what greatness sounds like.Josh Kerr is the reigning 1500m World Champion, an Olympic silver (Paris 2024) and bronze medalist (Tokyo 2020), and the fastest Brit of all time, stopping the clock at a jaw-dropping 3:27.79 in the 1500m at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.And his résumé doesn’t stop there. Josh’s current personal bests include: 3:27.79 in the 1500m outdoor (British record); 3:45.34 in the outdoor mile; 7:30.14 in the indoor 3,000m (Scottish indoor record) and 8:00.67 in the 2-Mile indoor short track (a World Best). From breaking NCAA records at the University of New Mexico to stunning the world in Budapest and Paris, Josh has built his career on intent, aggression, and an unshakable belief in his process.He’s not about fluff. He’s about focus. And whether it’s skipping warmups or setting world bests, he’s never afraid to do it his way.Josh has much to say about the mindset behind the medals, the rivalries that keep him sharp, and the hunger that still drives him, even while he’s already at the top.He isn’t here to play it safe. He’s here to take over.In today's conversation, Josh takes me deep into his mindset, chase for greatness, parts of his journey that go untold, his desire to be the best, rivalries, what you can do to become a better runner today, and so much more.Tap into the Josh Kerr 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

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rsAlex Ostberg is back to cut through the noise and get straight to what actually matters for smarter, healthier, and more effective training. This month’s theme? Train with awareness, not ego.First, Alex wrote about not chasing gains at the expense of your body. Top athletes play defense first. Solid sleep, real food, and smart recovery aren’t optional, they’re non-negotiable. If you’re always flirting with injury, you’re not training. You’re barely hanging on.Next, he examined the plate. If it’s low on carbs or protein, you’re killing your recovery and setting yourself up for a setback. What you eat says everything about how ready you are to train hard, and stay healthy doing it.Then he wrote about the myth of precision. Pace, mileage, VO₂ max, macros…they’re helpful, but they’re not gospel. Training isn’t about hitting perfect numbers. It’s about responding to what your body’s telling you today.To close out June, he examined how your body always speaks first. That tightness, that fatigue, that off mood? Don’tignore it. The best runners don’t push through red flags, they pivot.One month, four takeaways, and one big truth: better results come from fewer mistakes. Let’s make training something that builds you up, not breaks you down.In today's conversation, we break it all down. Don't miss the opportunity to become a better runner. 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-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

Paityn Noe has gone from being an injury-plagued freshman to one of the NCAA's most electrifying distance runners, redefining success with speed, resilience, and purpose.After a turbulent freshman year marked by injury and setbacks, Paityn didn't just bounce back, she transformed, clocking a blazing 31:36.91 to break Arkansas' 10,000m record, becoming All-American in the 10,000m and 5,000m outdoors,and finishing 4th at NCAA Outdoors.Her resume reads like a breakout-year checklist: she ran 15:11.27 in the 5000m; 8:47.17 in the 3000m; she finished in 7th place at NCAA Cross Country Nationals; and she earned All-American honors in the 3,000m and 5,000m indoors.But behind the accolades is a story of mindset, discipline, and a radically honest approach to fueling and recovery. Paityn has been candid about how embracing nourishment, faith, and joy became the foundation for her breakthrough. Now, she's on a mission to change how young athletes think about performance.Paityn's discussion is equal parts blueprint and inspiration; an inside look at what it takes to turn adversity into acceleration.In today's conversation, Paityn takes me through her NCAA performances from this indoor and outdoor seasons; her 7th place finishes at the 2024 NCAA XC Championships, handling setbacks/injuries her freshman year, her ambitions for the future, her thoughts on NIKE's Breaking4 project, and so much more.Tap into the Paityn Noe 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

Andreas Almgren, a Swedish distance runner with impressive records, shares his extraordinary journey from injury to elite athlete. He delves into his transformative training methods, particularly double threshold training, which shifted his approach and enhanced his performance. Listeners will learn about his rigorous weekly running schedule, dietary habits, and even the insights gained from training alongside Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Almgren's story is a compelling blueprint of resilience in pursuing running excellence.

Austen Dalquist is not your typical miler. He's an All-American from the University of Arkansas, a USATF Colorado Mile Champion, and a 3:41 guy in the 1500, but his journey hasn't been defined by times alone.After battling personal health challenges, including an eating disorder and vocal cord dysfunction, Austen did what few dare to do: he stayed in the sport. He rebuilt from rock bottom, leaning on faith, community, and quiet resilience to stage a comeback that's as inspiring as it is unfinished.Now as a pro based in Boulder, Austen is writing his most compelling chapter yet, running 1:48 for 800m, 3:53 in the mile, 7:45 for 3,000m, and 13:36 in the 5,000m. And it was all done in a single season!In today's episode, we unpack his journey from high school prodigy to college standout, through setbacks and redemption, to where he stands now, which is on the cusp of his best chapters yet.So whether you're running through a storm or chasing your own breakthrough, this one's for you. In today's conversation, Austen takes me through his radical new training system, joining Tinman Elite v2, setting PRs and what he attributes that to, how you can get faster, and so much more. Austen is the man. I always love my conversation with this guy. Tap into the Austen Dalquist 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