Some of us are lucky enough to find a mentor to guide our long-term love affair with running. They set the standard high in their own accomplishments and inspire us to do the same. Jim Butler, whom I'll forever refer to as "Coach",  has been doing that for over 30 years as the head coach of men’s cross country team at my alma mater, Connecticut College.   Coach Jim Butler was the 2002 New England Cross Country coach of the year, the 2004 New England Small College Athletic Conference Coach of the year, and an impressive 2:37 marathoner. He coached multiple national qualifiers and took his 2002 team to the national championship meet. Our conversation includes: Memories from his competitive days at Rutgers and road racing in Connecticut What has kept him invested in the sport for so long The intangibles he seeks out in prospective athletes above and beyond fast finish times Training strategies and mindset to take your performance to the next level The impact of new technology on the sport Coach has had such an impact on my running and my career - I know you'll enjoy our conversation! Links & Resources from the Show: Want your own team?  Join Team Strength Running Read more wisdom from Coach (and check out my 2005 cross-country picture!) Become a fan of the Connecticut College Men's Cross Country Team Thank You Previnex! We’re supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and  I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs. I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex! Thank you Lagoon! Our newest sponsor is Lagoon, maker of the most comfortable pillow I’ve ever used. And that’s no hyperbole. I’m pleasantly surprised every night I lie down because this pillow is just perfect for me. Since I know that sleep is the #1 recovery tool at my disposal, I’m taking it a lot more seriously. I took their sleep quiz to find the right pillow for my body size and sleeping position at. It only takes 2 minutes and you’ll find the type of pillow that will work best for you. I’m using the Fox and absolutely loving it. A big reason why is because it’s adjustable. Since you can add or remove fill to get your alignment right, it’s a great way to optimize the most important way you can become a better runner that isn’t training: sleep. We all know how important sleep is. It’s the best recovery tool that you have at your disposal - better than compression, ice, heat, massage, or anything else you can think of. Sleep is when the magic happens and your sleep quality matters. Take your rest and recovery to the next level with Lagoon and get 15% off your purchase with code strengthrunning here.

Elisabeth Scott, a multiple-certified running coach and host of the Running Explained Podcast, joins us to discuss pacing, structure, and philosophy of running workouts. We explore the different types of workouts and the purpose behind them. We also discuss the importance of understanding pace ranges, training for hilly races, and the philosophy of running workouts. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of consistency in running and finding the balance between rest and work intervals in workouts.

On this episode I have the dynamic duo of Tina Muir and Zoë Rom. Tina was formerly a professional runner for Great Britain and now hosts the Running for Real Podcast. Zoë is an elite ultra runner and Editor in Chief of Trail Runner Magazine. While each has been a guest on the podcast in the past, this is my first time having a discussion with them both! Zoë and Tina bring a unique perspective to running that has been missing from the books on training and racing that currently exist. Our discussion focuses on what it means to be a sustainable runner, and the various ways you can integrate your personal running journey with the broader community and environment.  Topics we explore include: Zoe and Tina’s background and involvement in the running community How a shared love of composting helped lead to writing Becoming a Sustainable Runner Why doing more for “future us” vs. “present us” creates longevity in the sport How to put yourself in positions for a growth mindset The variety of ways you can find and create a running community Zoe and Tina are insightful and engaging, and can help you find even greater meaning in your running. Enjoy our conversation! Thank You Previnex! We’re supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and  I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs.  I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex! Thank you MOBO Board! Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly! Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength. I was just at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.

Discover the best workouts and training strategies for a 5K race. Learn about the benefits of adaptogens and how to structure effective workouts. Improve speed and endurance with regular strides and hill sprints. Find out how different workouts can enhance performance in a 5K race. Discover the benefits of AG1 nutrition and the special offer for listeners.

Cross-country coach Chris Robinson discusses strategies for running a fast 5k, including training structure, volume increase, speed maintenance, and capacity building. The conversation also touches on managing injuries, maintaining an easy pace, and the benefits of structured training plans for race performance improvement.

When evaluating any new technology and whether it will help your running, product reviews are typically our first means of learning about the pros and cons of a product. By learning how to use these reviews to your advantage, you’re more likely to make better decisions about which products work best for you. This week’s guest on the podcast has reviewed just about every type of gear imaginable, from clothing and shoes, to recovery tools, to watches and smart rings. Ashley Mateo is likely a familiar name, as she has written for just about every major media outlet including Runner’s World, Bicycling, Women's Health, Health, Shape and  Self.  In addition to her writing and prolific product testing, Ashley is a RRCA and UESCA certified running coach and an accomplished marathoner. She also publishes one of my favorite running newsletters, The Rundown, which is available on Substack. With her extensive experience testing a variety of products, Ashley has unique insights into using product reviews to help you search for new gear. By learning how to think more critically about these reviews, you can evaluate gear before making an investment, and know how to get the most out of your purchase. Ashley and I talk about her background in the sport and then dig into the product review process, including: How Ashley was introduced to running through triathlon Her favorite products to review Ashley’s critical process for reviewing different types of products Why wearing a smart ring has changed how Ashley uses her running watch What consumers should pay attention to in reviews Ashley’s dream product to review Our discussion will show you how to get the most out of your next running purchase! Links & Resources from the Show: Learn more about Ashley on her website Read Ashley’s newsletter, The Rundown, on Substack Follow Ashley on Instagram and Twitter Find out  how to choose the perfect running shoe on my recent podcast with Matt Klein, DPT Subscribe to my YouTube channel for upcoming product reviews from a coaching perspective Thank you BetterHelp! Thank you to our newest sponsor, BetterHelp. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. I’ve been speaking more openly recently about my own mental health struggles last year as I went through a divorce. And while running was certainly an outlet, it could never replace actual therapy to help me process everything I was going through at the time.  If you’re struggling with any kind of mental health issue right now, it’s certainly impacting your running and I want you to be as healthy as possible - both physically and mentally. Improving your mindset is a powerful lever to pull to improve your relationship with running. With BetterHelp, you can message your therapist at any time, schedule live sessions when it’s convenient for you (or use text), and change your therapist at no extra charge. Improve your mental skills - and make running more manageable - with BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month here at BetterHelp. Thank You AG1! We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews. One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train. I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do. For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

Running is one of the most popular and widespread activities in the country, yet coverage of the sport pales in comparison to team sports such as baseball and football. Media attention to trail and ultrarunning is even more limited, due to challenging accessibility and technology limitations. My guest on the podcast came to running nearly a decade ago, and quickly fell in love with the mountains, trails, and the ultra world. Finn Melanson is the host of Singletrack, one of the most successful podcasts about the trail and ultra scene. His experience covering and participating in the sport have given him unique insight into its recent growth, and where it’s headed in the years to come. While Finn and I start by discussing the phenomenal race by Courtney Dauwalter at Western States, we focus on the evolution of ultrarunning and how its coverage continues to improve. While ultrarunning is still a niche sport, it’s on a trajectory to become more widely watched in the near future. Finn and I talk about why and how this is happening, including: The importance of having the right people involved in the sport at the right time Why storytelling plays such an important role in making ultras more widely accessible Differences in livestream technology in Europe and the US How UTMB is trying to become the “world Series” of ultrarunning Trail running’s influence on podcast and media coverage The evolution of trail and ultrarunning over the past 10 years How running can develop into a geographically based team sport Finding ways to attract people to the sport who will never run an ultra If you love running and want to understand the possibilities for growth in our sport, this podcast is for you! Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Singletrack on Instagram and Twitter Listen to the Singletrack podcast on Youtube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts Read more about what professional trail and ultrarunners typically earn Learn about novel ideas for ultrarunner sponsorship Thank You Previnex! We’re supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and  I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs.  I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex! Thank you to our Performance Training Journal! We’re also brought to you by our very own Performance Training Journal, which is now available on Amazon. Since I started running in 1998, I’ve kept a hardcopy training journal. Holding a tangible log, writing in it daily, and reflecting on the ups and downs of running is a surefire way to improve.  This hardcopy training journal helps you focus on the training metrics that matter, prioritizes a long-term outlook so you don’t take any shortcuts, and maintains your motivation with strategic self-praise. With a no-frills, functional design, the Performance Training Journal includes coaching advice on racing, injury prevention, strength training, and more. It will guide you through race scheduling, how to plan your race morning, the best workouts for endurance runners, and encourage you to track your personal bests over time.  You have the space to make this journal your own whether you're a new runner or a professional, a trail or road runner, or a mid-distance specialist or ultra marathoner.⁣ So don't just track your running, learn from it with the Performance Training Journal! Check it out today on Amazon.

Dr. Matthew Klein, a professor of Physical Therapy, discusses how to choose the perfect running shoe. They explore different shoe criteria for beginners and experienced runners, evolving from motion control to stable neutral shoes, and the importance of allowing your body time to adapt. They also touch on injury risks of aggressive running shoes, the susceptibility to Achilles injury in aging individuals, and components of a training program for runners.

This week’s guest on the podcast has the amazing ability to build community wherever he goes. On an average week, you may find him leading a group of 40 runners or training alongside past Olympians. Jonathan Levitt is a runner and host of the For the Long Run Podcast, and perhaps secretly, the (unofficial) mayor of Boulder, Colorado. Jon moved to Boulder several years ago and is a huge presence in the running community. He thrives off the companionship of group runs, and often does at least 4 of his 6 runs each week with friends. Through trial and error Jon has learned how to manage the logistics of running with both faster and slower runners, while blending it seamlessly into his own training schedule. Jon and I discuss the incredible running community of Boulder, along with: How Jon finds joy in helping others feel like they belong The unique aspects of Boulder’s running scene What is the “soft hour” in Boulder and why it works so well The ways Jon balances his training while joining other runners How to build a running community in your hometown The importance of emulating the mental models of other runners Jon is thoughtful, fun, and full of insights on what makes a running community great. Enjoy! Links & Resources from the Show: Visit Jon’s podcast website, For the Long Run Follow Jon on Twitter and Instagram Listen to the For the Long Run podcast on YouTube Subscribe to Jon’s newsletter Listen to Jon's podcast episode with Jason Join Strength Running's community! Thank You AG1! We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews. One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train. I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do. For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today. Thank you to our Performance Training Journal! We’re also brought to you by our very own Performance Training Journal, which is now available on Amazon. Since I started running in 1998, I’ve kept a hardcopy training journal. Holding a tangible log, writing in it daily, and reflecting on the ups and downs of running is a surefire way to improve.  This hardcopy training journal helps you focus on the training metrics that matter, prioritizes a long-term outlook so you don’t take any shortcuts, and maintains your motivation with strategic self-praise. With a no-frills, functional design, the Performance Training Journal includes coaching advice on racing, injury prevention, strength training, and more. It will guide you through race scheduling, how to plan your race morning, the best workouts for endurance runners, and encourage you to track your personal bests over time.  You have the space to make this journal your own whether you're a new runner or a professional, a trail or road runner, or a mid-distance specialist or ultra marathoner.⁣ So don't just track your running, learn from it with the Performance Training Journal! Check it out today on Amazon.

The Western States Endurance Run (WSER) is an iconic fixture in the world of ultrarunning. As the world’s oldest 100 miler, it has become a symbolic representation of the ultimate endurance challenge. Few people have as much knowledge about Western States as my guest today, Andy Jones-Wilkins. Andy has completed Western States an incredible 10 times, along with other 100 milers such as Hardrock, Leadville, Wasatch and Vermont. Andy’s love for the Western States Endurance Run (WSER) is undeniable, but as a coach his understanding of training and racing applies to all areas of the sport. We discuss a variety of topics today, including: Andy’s detailed knowledge of the WSER history and course How Western States compares to other challenging 100 mile courses Andy's two prerequisites for running a 100 miler Run workouts that are specific to long ultras and the Western States course All the logistics that surround racing the 100 mile distance How to determine your "all day pace" that is essential to long events With Western States rapidly approaching, Andy's stories about the race are bound to make you intrigued by this fantastic event. Enjoy! Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Andy on Twitter and Facebook Learn more about the Western States Endurance Run Read AJW’s Taproom on iRunFar Listen to the Crack A Brew podcast Follow Western States coverage on iRunFar Thank You Previnex! We’re supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and  I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs.  I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex! Thank you MOBO Board! Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the bboard to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly! Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength. I was just at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.