Ian Sharman, founder of Sharman Ultra Coaching and an elite ultrarunner, shares insights from his impressive career, including a personal best marathon at 43. He discusses the mental challenges runners face, like handling pre-race excitement and avoiding the comparison trap on platforms like Strava. Sharman emphasizes the importance of a process-oriented mindset, focusing on training over outcomes, and learning to adapt to race conditions—showing that with commitment, age doesn't have to define performance.

Discover how community coaching can enhance your marathon training. Learn strategies for gradually increasing mileage after injury, while balancing strength training frequency. Uncover the benefits of cross-training and treadmill workouts, especially for runners in flat terrains. Dive into the importance of understanding VO2 max and lactate thresholds, and how they influence your training. Plus, explore tips for managing training schedules around busy lives and the advantages of adjusting rest days.

Dr. Karl Knopf, an author and expert in strength training for older adults, shares invaluable insights on adapting running as we age. He debunks the myth that age is a barrier to strength training, emphasizing that it's never too late to start. They discuss the importance of functional fitness, how poor posture impacts runners, and strategies to prevent muscle loss, like training against sarcopenia. The conversation also highlights tailored strength programs and the critical role of cross-training for longevity in running.

Dr. Lara Pence, a licensed psychologist and founder of The Coaches Collective, shares her expertise on mental toughness. She introduces the "3Rs" framework: Recover, Rebound, and Reignite, essential for athletes. Listeners learn about the balance between reality and confidence, how positive thinking can boost performance, and the power of personalized mantras while running. Lara emphasizes that mental toughness is a skill developed through self-awareness and compassion, tailored to the individual for optimal success.

Kylee Van Horn, founder of Flynutrition, and Zoë Rom, elite ultra runner and journalist, tackle the myths of nutrition for endurance athletes. They discuss the impact of pseudoscience and cultural narratives on dietary choices, advocating for a curious and flexible mindset. Misconceptions about post-exercise nutrition are debunked, emphasizing individuality over strict diets. They also highlight the importance of fundamental nutrition practices over trendy supplements, offering insights on how athletes can optimize their fueling strategies for better performance.

In this engaging discussion, Claire Shorenstein, a seasoned sports dietitian and distance runner, unpacks the evolving protein requirements for endurance athletes. She emphasizes why personalized nutrition matters, discussing the importance of a balanced intake of all macronutrients, particularly during recovery or injury. Claire also shares practical strategies to boost protein intake and addresses the unique considerations for plant-based athletes. Listeners will discover how to navigate protein needs effectively while maintaining a flexible approach to healthy eating.

Ever wondered about supercompensation and how it can impact your running progress? Discover effective recovery strategies after getting sick and avoid common pitfalls that beginners face. Learn when to incorporate strength training into your weekly plan for maximum benefit. Find out if longer runs with the same mileage truly offer an advantage and explore practical core and mobility exercises to enhance your routine. Perfect for anyone aiming for a big running goal in 2025!

Michael Crawley, a 2:20 marathoner and anthropology professor at Durham University, delves into the fascinating culture of endurance running. He discusses why we willingly endure exhausting races, drawing on evolutionary insights. Crawley contrasts individualism in Western sports with the communal practices of cultures like the Raramuri and Sherpas, emphasizing running's communal bonds. He also explores how technology impacts modern running while advocating for a harmonious blend of data and instinct to enrich the running experience.

In this enlightening discussion, Brad Culp, a sports journalist and author of "The Norwegian Method," unpacks the nuanced strategies behind elite endurance training. He highlights the significance of lactate testing and how it informs the balance between intensity and training volume. Culp explains the benefits of high-volume, low-intensity workouts and the differences between Zone 1 and Zone 2 training. He also shares practical insights for everyday runners to adapt elite techniques, including the role of cross-training and recovery in enhancing performance.

Join Becs Gentry, a popular Peloton instructor and 2:32 marathoner preparing for the Great World Race. She shares her journey of running seven marathons in seven days across seven continents. Becs discusses the unique challenges she expects, particularly the extreme conditions in Antarctica. She reveals her training regimen and recovery strategies for this grueling adventure. With candid insights about mental preparation and logistical hurdles, Becs inspires listeners to embrace their own running challenges.