The Running Explained Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Alex Parker and Meredith Root, co-owners of Tactic Nutrition—two amazing athletes and coaches who are runners AND... compete in CrossFit, strength training, cycling, and more. They’re here to talk about how embracing your identity as a multi-sport athlete can not only help prevent burnout but also make you a better overall athlete.But it’s not just about doing different sports for the sake of variety. We also talk about WHY we tend to pigeonhole ourselves into a single spoint, struggle with burnout when we try to do it all at the same time, and dive into fueling properly for all these activities. Alex and Meredith share how their approach to nutrition helps athletes fuel for multiple sports without feeling restricted or overwhelmed.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Ditching the "One-Sport Only" Mentality: Alex and Meredith open up about their journey from focusing solely on one sport to embracing multiple sports. They talk about how stepping away from just being “a runner” has been a game-changer for their identity and overall health.How to Fuel Like a Multi-Sport Athlete: When you’re juggling running, strength training, and cycling, fueling is key. Alex and Meredith share their strategies for staying energized and performing well across different sports.Tactic Nutrition: With their company Tactic, Alex and Meredith focus on helping athletes build a positive relationship with food and understand how to fuel for different activities. It’s not about restrictive dieting—it’s about nourishing your body for optimal performance in whatever sport you love.Preventing Burnout & Finding Balance: Running is great, but is it enough? We discuss how incorporating other sports can prevent burnout, give you new goals, and improve your performance, all while keeping the joy in your training.Strength Training & Cycling: No, you’re not less of a runner if you add strength training or cycling to your routine. Alex and Meredith explain how these activities have actually helped them become better, more resilient athletes.Reclaiming Your Identity: Is your identity tied too tightly to running? We talk about how easy it is to lose the fun in fitness when you feel like you “have to” do something, and how adding variety can reignite your love for movement.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Tactic Nutrition: Instagram | WebsiteFollow Alex on Instagram: @aaparker1⁠Follow Meredith on Instagram: @meredith_rootKey Takeaways:It’s important to find balance—embracing multiple sports in your training not only prevents burnout but also enhances your performance as an athlete.Strength training, CrossFit, cycling - or whatever other sports you enjoy - can help you become a stronger, more resilient runner (and athlete overall!).If you’re feeling burnt out or stuck in a “one sport only” mentality, it might be time to explore new ways of training that bring back the fun and help you stay motivated.It’s OK to try different things. Whether it’s a different sport or mixing up your running routine, variety is not just good for your body—it’s great for your mind too.Want More?If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe to The Running Explained Podcast for more conversations on how to make running and fitness enjoyable, sustainable, and rewarding. And if you’re stuck in a training routine that feels more like a chore than fun, share this episode with a friend who might be looking for a change!

This week on The Running Explained Podcast, we’re talking about a different kind of destination—the kind that comes with epic views, cultural immersion, and no clock in sight. I’m joined by Michael Mazzara, CEO of Rogue Expeditions, who’s on a mission to redefine what it means to run and travel.Michael shares how Rogue Expeditions creates immersive, joy-filled running experiences around the world—think Sahara Desert sunrises, winding trails through the Atlas Mountains, and post-run tajines in Morocco. These trips aren’t about chasing PRs; they’re about community, connection, and experiencing the world on two feet.We talk about what goes into curating these off-the-beaten-path adventures, how he went from “not a runner” to leading global running trips, and why sometimes the best way to explore a new place… is just to lace up and run it.Also! I’m beyond excited to share that I’ll be joining Rogue Expeditions in Morocco this November—and you can come too! If you've ever dreamed about turning your run into a passport stamp, this is your chance! runningexplained.com/morocco In this episode, we dig into:How Michael’s unexpected running journey turned into a global adventure businessThe difference between racing and running to exploreWhat makes these trips so unique, welcoming, and transformationalBehind-the-scenes of designing routes in Morocco, Patagonia, and the DolomitesWhy running can be the best way to see the worldTips for preparing for a running trip (spoiler: it’s not about doing 80-mile weeks)And more!Come Run Morocco With Me!I’ll be heading to Morocco this November with Rogue Expeditions for a week of incredible running, culture, and connection—and you’re invited. Want to be on the interest list? Head to runningexplained.com/morocco for all the info!Resources & Links:Rogue Expeditions → rougexpeditions.comInstagram → @rougexpeditionsStay Connected:Follow me on Instagram → @runningexplainedCoaching, training plans & more → runningexplained.comLoved the episode? Take 30 seconds to rate, review, and subscribe—it helps more runners find the show and say YES to more adventure!

We all know the struggle: you're training hard, you're feeling strong—and then, boom, that injury hits. Whether it’s a sharp pain that stops you dead in your tracks or a lingering ache that just won’t quit, we’ve got you covered in this episode with physical therapist Alyssa Ford, DPT, where we dive into the emotional and physical journey of dealing with running injuries—and how to come out on top!From understanding overuse injuries to the mental health toll that constant injury battles can take, Alyssa and Elisabeth break it all down, explaining how understanding your body and your training load is key to staying injury-free. This isn't just about pushing through pain—it's about listening to your body, setting realistic expectations, and advocating for yourself when it counts the most.What You’ll Learn:Injuries can happen to anyone: In fact, 80-90% of runners will face injuries at some point—but we're trying to change that! Alyssa explains why this happens and how it’s many injuries are preventable with a smarter approach.The emotional toll: Runners are often left feeling isolated, frustrated, and even ashamed of their injuries. Alyssa talks about why it’s okay to feel those emotions and how to heal mentally as well as physically.Training load: Overtraining is a huge culprit behind injuries, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn how to manage your training load to prevent injury flare-ups and give your body the rest it craves.Strength training and recovery: Strength training isn’t about bulking up—it’s about building a strong foundation to prevent injuries in the first place. Alyssa shares how to safely incorporate strength into your routine without overloading.Nutrition matters: Fuel your body with the right nutrients for injury prevention and recovery. Alyssa explains how your diet can be a game-changer when it comes to staying strong and injury-free.Becoming resilient: Injuries might slow you down, but they don’t define you. Alyssa offers her resilience tips to help you bounce back, stay motivated, and keep running toward your goals.Whether you’re struggling with a chronic injury, learning how to cope with the emotional side of being sidelined, or just want to understand how to prevent injuries from the start, this episode has something for every runner. Tune in and learn how to run with confidence, resilience, and the right mindset—because you’ve got this!Sound Bites:“Running is my whole life, but so is my health!”“Injuries are going to happen—but they don’t have to control you.”“Pain that changes your gait? That’s a red flag, not a badge of honor.”“It’s okay to be upset about injuries—you’re human!”“Let’s zoom out: your long-term health is WAY more important than any single race.”“Don’t wait for the pain to go away—take action early.”“Our bodies are resilient—but we have to treat them with care.”“Strength training isn’t a ‘maybe’—it’s a MUST for injury prevention!”Don’t miss this episode—subscribe and share it with your fellow runners, and remember, your body is your most valuable asset. Take care of it! 💪🏃‍♀️Meet Alyssa FordAlyssa Ford, DPT, is a physical therapist, strength coach, and running coach.  As a clinician and a coach, she's experienced in helping athletes across the injury and performance spectrum.  After talking to SO many runners that had a negative experience in healthcare, were stuck in a cycle of reinjury or even told to “just stop running” she started Resilient Running with the goal of changing how running injuries are managed. Website: https://www.resilientrunningpt.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssaford.dpt/

Coach Elisabeth is joined by Kallup McCoy, a running coach, personal trainer, marathoner, Ironman, and founder of RezHOPE, a nonprofit supporting individuals in recovery. Kallup’s incredible story of transformation is a testament to the power of resilience, purpose, and community support.From battling drug addiction at the age of 11 to completing some of the toughest endurance races in the world, Kallup shares how running and ultra endurance sports helped him overcome personal struggles and find healing. He dives deep into his experience running the Trail of Tears, a 600-mile journey across the southeastern U.S. that allowed him to reconnect with his Cherokee roots and reflect on his ancestors' resilience.Kallup’s upcoming challenge? A 3,000 run across the United States to raise funds for his nonprofit, RezHOPE, and to inspire others facing similar challenges.In this episode, you’ll learn about:Kallup’s journey from addiction to recovery.How endurance sports helped him find purpose and healing after years of struggling.The significance of running the Trail of Tears and reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage.The power of community support and its role in recovery.Kallup’s mission to run across America to raise funds for his nonprofit, RezHOPE, and amplify Indigenous voices in sports.This episode is full of inspiration, hope, and insight into how running can transform not only your body but your entire life.Links & Resources:Follow Kallup McCoy on social media: https://www.youtube.com/@recoverylion86https://www.instagram.com/_recoverylion86/Learn more about RezHOPE: https://www.rezhoperecovery.com/Watch the documentary A Runner’s High:https://youtu.be/5Vhsk8SKAN8?si=cN67lHeftxjKlAN1Donate to RezHOPE: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/kallup-runs-across-america-transcon-run--2025Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the podcast on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us keep bringing inspiring stories to the running community.About Your Host: Coach Elisabeth is a passionate running coach and the founder of Running Explained. With a goal to simplify the science behind running, Coach Elisabeth helps runners of all levels train smarter and race stronger. Whether you're building your aerobic base, tackling your first marathon, or managing injury, Elisabeth’s approach combines expert knowledge with an empathetic and supportive coaching style. After starting her own running journey after getting sober at 29, Elisabeth has now run six marathons (including qualifying for Boston) and develop a coaching philosophy centered on building sustainable training habits for long-term success. Follow Coach Elisabeth for actionable advice and expert tips to fuel your running journey!

Join seasoned runner and coach Jason Fitzgerald, founder of Strength Running, as he dives into the significance of running volume for performance goals. Discover if serious racing can be achieved on fewer runs and the role of cross-training in your routine. Jason debunks the myth of junk miles, emphasizing that volume is crucial for success. He also highlights the need for balance between intensity and volume, especially for beginners. Get ready for actionable tips to enhance your running resilience while preventing injuries!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Caila Yates, RD, a registered dietitian with deep expertise in sports nutrition and eating disorders. Together, we dive into one of the most crucial strategies for marathon runners—carb loading—and why it's so important, especially for those eyeing the Boston Marathon!Caila walks us through the science behind carb loading, giving us practical tips to implement it, and how to navigate the challenges that come with traveling while maintaining your nutrition plan. She explains why variety in carbohydrate sources is key, shares the benefits of liquid carbs, and breaks down the physical and mental effects of carb loading.We also talk about common mistakes runners make with carb loading, share personal experiences, and discuss strategies for managing nutrition, particularly for those dealing with a history of disordered eating. Plus, Caila shares great advice on meal planning and dining out before a race, including where to eat in Boston. We also touch on hydration strategies, sodium loading, and how to mentally prepare for late start marathons.If you're preparing for your next marathon or big race, you’ll want to tune into this episode for all the actionable insights and strategies to fuel your success!Caila is a registered dietitian and the owner of Steady State Nutrition where she works with athletes and those navigating eating disorders. After working in higher levels of care for ED’s, she now applies her background to helping athletes navigate RED-S, low energy availability, and the prevention and management of injuries. She lives in Boulder, Colorado where she is lucky enough to run, ski, or hike on a regular basis (but values her rest days, too!) Website: www.steadystatenutrition.co IG: @steadystatenutrition Email: caila@steadystatenutrition.co 

Sara Manderscheid, founder and head coach of Elevate Your Running, shares her insights as a dedicated endurance athlete. She dives into overcoming the anxiety of aging and highlights that time can be an ally, not a foe. The discussion emphasizes setting realistic goals, managing expectations, and embracing recovery. Sara inspires listeners to appreciate their progress and adapt their running ambitions as they age. Celebrate personal achievements and find joy in every step toward running dreams, regardless of age!

Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards is a physical therapist and founder of RunSource, dedicated to supporting runners' journeys. She shares her emotional ride from a passionate runner to coping with a rare genetic heart condition, ARVC, which reshaped her life and running. Kate discusses the mental challenges of identity loss, resilience, and adapting to new realities while maintaining joy in running. She also introduces her innovative app that connects runners with vital resources, fostering a supportive community for all athletes facing obstacles.

In this insightful discussion, Ashley Mateo, a seasoned running journalist and coach, shares her expertise on the latest running trends for 2025. She reveals how personalized fueling strategies and innovative running gear are revolutionizing the sport. Mateo highlights the importance of balancing advanced technology with fundamental practices like sleep and hydration. Additionally, she dives into the rising popularity of run clubs and the shift towards sustainability in gear, all while emphasizing the need for community and inclusivity in running.

Coaching isn’t just about writing workouts—it’s aboutguiding, supporting, and adapting to each athlete’s needs. This week, Coach Elisabeth welcomes FIVE of the Running Explained run coaches to chat about their coaching journeys, favorite races, fueling strategies, and whatreally matters when guiding athletes. From breaking down common coaching myths to exploring the deep impact of the coach-athlete relationship, this conversation highlights thehuman side of coaching—because coaching isn’t just about training plans, it’s about understandingyou!We dive into the challenges and joys of coaching, the importance ofcommunication and trust, and why coaching is a collaboration, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re a runner looking for guidance, an aspiring coach, or just love learning more about thewhy behind great training, this episode is packed with insights to help you run smarter, train better, and enjoy every step of the process.ww.runningexplained.com/runcoaching🎤Soundbites:🗣️“Coaching is a two-way relationship with feedback.”🗣️“Every runner, at every pace, deserves support.”🗣️“Being intentional with goal setting matters more than chasing PRs.”🗣️“Great coaching looks at the whole athlete, not just their mileage.”