The Running Explained Podcast

In this episode of the Running Explained podcast, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava welcome Alison Mariella Désir, author of 'Running While Black'. They discuss the importance of freedom of movement, the challenges faced by Black and Brown runners, and the significance of creating inclusive running communities. Alison shares her journey into running, the founding of Harlem Run, and her experiences as a mental health therapist. Alison also chats about her PBS TV Show: Out and Back. The conversation also touches on accountability and allyship within the running industry, emphasizing the need for empathy and curiosity in understanding diverse experiences.(00:00) Introduction to Alison Mariella Désir(03:31) Freedom of Movement and Safety in Running(06:26) Allison's Journey to Running and Community Building(10:27) The Impact of Harlem Run and Inclusivity in Running(16:08) Understanding Surveillance and Safety in Running While Black(19:12) Empathy, Curiosity, and Conversations about Race(23:00) Allison's PBS Show: Out and Back(29:45) Climbing Kilimanjaro and Community Empowerment(34:07) Overcoming Fear and Taking Action(36:45) The Role of Accountability in Achieving Goals(38:33) The Therapeutic Journey: Insights from Therapy(46:55) Accountability and Allyship in the Running Community(54:10) Empowerment and Community EngagementAlison Mariella Désir is multi-talented: a founder, a doer, an activist, a connector, a visionary and an unapologetically straightforward communicator with a passion for movement, mental health, and racial equity. Alison got her start in the running and outdoor industry unintentionally, after seeing a Black friend train and complete a marathon. Inspired, Alison went on to run her first marathon and discovered that she had found a powerful tool to manage her depression. She’s been working to share the transformational power of running and movement ever since.WebsiteInstagramPBS ShowAmanda IGNick IGEmail - Hello@runningexplained.com🚨 1:1 COACHING SPOTS OPEN NOW 🚨Ready to finally train with a plan that’s built around YOU?✅ Personalized training✅ Weekly support + adjustments✅ Strategy, structure, and accountability✅ Expert coaching to help you actually hit your goalsNot ready for a 1:1 Coach📝PDF Training Plan Templates available🤝Group Coaching, Strength Training and Unlimited access to all Training Plans available in The Run Club AppLearn more about all of this at www.runningexplained.com

In this episode of The Running Explained podcast, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava discuss eight proven ways to maintain a running routine beyond January. They emphasize the importance of mapping out a routine, starting small, setting realistic goals, and being flexible. The conversation also highlights the significance of consistency over performance, the role of mindset in running, and the benefits of external accountability. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical tips to help listeners enjoy their running journey and stay motivated throughout the year.(00:00) Welcome to Season 6(05:27) Proven Ways to Sustain Your Running Routine(11:16) Start Small for Big Wins(14:05) Set Realistic Goals Based on Your Life(23:20) Stacking Habits for Success(31:20) Consistency Over Metrics(33:42) The Importance of Consistency(35:43) Mindset Matters: Overcoming Mental Barriers(38:29) Setting Process Goals for Success(43:46) Flexibility in Training Plans(49:42) The Role of External AccountabilityAmanda - ⁠@amanda_katzz⁠Nick - ⁠@nklastava⁠Through Running Explained, We offer training plans, online courses, and 1:1 coaching designed to help runners achieve their goals while avoiding the common pitfalls of overtraining, underfueling, and burnout. Whether you’re training for your first half marathon or chasing a new PR, our guidance will help you train smarter, race stronger, and love the journey.📲 Learn more at www.runnningexplained.com📢 Follow on Instagram: @runningexplained

In this episode, Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava introduce themselves as the new hosts of the Running Explained podcast, taking over from Elisabeth. They discuss their excitement for the upcoming season, their vision for the podcast, and their commitment to making running more accessible and enjoyable for all listeners. The hosts emphasize the importance of community and invite feedback from listeners as they transition into this new chapter.Amanda - ⁠@amanda_katzz⁠Nick - ⁠@nklastava⁠Email - Hello@runningexplained.com🚨 1:1 COACHING SPOTS OPEN NOW 🚨Ready to finally train with a plan that’s built around YOU?✅ Personalized training✅ Weekly support + adjustments✅ Strategy, structure, and accountability✅ Expert coaching to help you actually hit your goalsGo to https://www.runningexplained.com/runcoaching to learn more!

Season 5 is wrapping up a bit early, but don’t worry, Season 6 is coming soon with more great conversations, science, and running wisdom. In the meantime, revisit past episodes or explore everything Running Explained has to offer: Our newsletter The Weekly Stride: https://www.runningexplained.com/Our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@runningexplained Training plans: https://www.runningexplained.com/plans1:1 coaching options: https://www.runningexplained.com/runcoachingIf you have any suggestions or ideas for next season, DM us or email us at podcast@runningexplained.com. Thanks for being part of our running community!

Kim Nedeau, an elite mountain runner and coach known for her expertise in alternative training methods, shares valuable insights on thriving with low run volume and high overall training volume. She challenges the myth that more mileage equals better performance. Nedeau discusses the psychological and physical benefits of personalized training, including the importance of consistency and effort management. She emphasizes the significance of cross-training and strength exercises in preventing injuries while enhancing endurance, making it a smart choice for today’s runners.

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Ko, better known online as Kofuzi, to talk about his evolution from everyday runner to one of the most trusted voices in running shoe reviews on YouTube. We dive into the intersection of gear, performance, and personal preference, and how the right shoes can change everything about your running experience.What You'll Learn:How Kofuzi turned his casual runs into a full-blown content careerWhy there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to running shoesHow to think critically about reviews and gear hypeThe role of comfort, tech, and transparency in today’s running gearWhat to look for when building your own shoe rotationChapters:00:00 Introducing YouTube Creator Kofuzi10:09 Kofuzi’s YouTube Origins: From Runner to Reviewer14:46 Authenticity, Honesty, and Ethics Online19:32 Negative Reviews Online22:29 Individual Preferences with Running Shoes29:49 What to Look For in Running Shoes38:15 Quality vs Quantity43:53 Developing a Shoe Rotation48:09 How Long Do Running Shoes Last?55:16 How Mileage Impacts a Shoe01:05:10 Advancements in Shoe Technology01:12:23 What's Next for Kofuzi and Where to Find HimConnect with Kofuzi:Instagram: instagram.com/kofuziYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kofuzi--🚨 1:1 COACHING SPOTS OPEN NOW 🚨Ready to finally train with a plan that’s built around YOU?✅ Personalized training✅ Weekly support + adjustments✅ Strategy, structure, and accountability✅ Expert coaching to help you actually hit your goalsGo to https://www.runningexplained.com/runcoaching to learn more! Research & production assistance by Sophie van Leeuwen

Join Dr. Alyssa Olenick, a lively exercise physiologist and ultra runner, as she unveils the secrets of hybrid training. She explains the interference effect and the importance of blending strength with endurance for optimal performance. Discover how strength training enhances running while preventing injuries, and why curiosity, not perfection, should guide your fitness journey. Learn about seasonal training, effective recovery strategies, and the supportive role of community in achieving your athletic goals.

Coach Nick Klastava, Head Coach at Running Explained, shares expert insights on breaking the habit of comparing ourselves to other runners. He discusses the negative impacts of social media and the importance of focusing on personal growth instead of external achievements. Nick emphasizes the need for flexibility in setting running goals and celebrating individual progress. He also tackles workout anxiety, suggesting that consistency is key, and encourages runners to appreciate their unique journeys, steering clear of unrealistic benchmarks.

Dr. Marie Witt is BACK for her fifth time on the podcast (aka the Five-Peat!), and this episode is a little more casual and a whole lot of fun. We’re talking about… well, a little bit of everything:– Gummy bear fueling and why sour candy hits different– What happens when your miles slow way down in the summer heat– Shoes, Hobbiton, Regency costumes, and other delightful detours– The “minimum effective dose” approach to strength training– And why doing less is often the smartest move a runner can makeWe talk about the pressure to do more, what it really means to be consistent, and how to respect your body without losing your goals. And yes, we get a little nerdy, because obviously. It’s us.If you need a reminder that running is supposed to be fun, that you don’t have to earn your worth in mileage, and that play is part of the process... this one’s for you.💥 LAST CHANCE: ROAD TO RACE DAY KICKS OFF AUG 4!If you’re training for the Philly Half or Full and want personalized coaching, a supportive group, expert guidance, and race weekend fun—this is it! Don’t miss your chance to join.👉 runningexplained.com/roadtoraceday—🔗 Links & Resources:Check out her FREE Achilles Recovery Toolkit!Research & production assistance by Sophie van Leeuwen

This week, I'm joined by the one and only Jon Levitt, host of For the Long Run and Long Run Labs, endurance athlete, and resident expert in both running and running-adjacent banter.What starts as a lighthearted chat about favorite running shoes (RIP Pegasus 34), run fuel (blue raspberry forever), and dream races (Tokyo, anyone?) turns into a deeply thoughtful conversation about what it means to push yourself to the edge... and what happens when you go past it.We dive into:🎯 The anatomy of a moonshot: Was the Breaking4 Project to break 4 minutes in the mile by a woman a marketing stunt or a meaningful milestone?🧠 The shared psychology of suffering: Why elite runners and mid-packers alike know what it feels like to “bleed” in the third lap💥 What makes a mile so compelling (and painful) to run and watch🥵 Downhill marathons, Boston qualifiers, and the not-so-free speed myth💬 What we talk about when we talk about toughness, exclusivity, and why not every goal should be easyPlus: a very scientific game of “Strava Caption or Shenanigans,” Taylor Swift references, and a reminder that running a hard mile might just change your life.🧭 Resources & Links:Follow Jon on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jwlevittListen to For the Long Run and Long Run Labshttps://shorturl.at/i7pRU----🏃‍♀️ Running Explained is here to help you run smarter, get faster, and feel more confident in your training. From trusted education to real-world coaching support, we’ve got what you need: no fluff, no gimmicks, just evidence-based guidance that works.🎙 Podcast & Blog: Free, accessible, no-BS running education📨 The Weekly Stride: Your favorite running newsletter📲 The Run Club App: Training plans + strength work in one place📋 Downloadable Training Plans: Built for real life and real results🏅 1:1 Coaching: Personalized guidance with expert support🔗 Start here → ⁠⁠⁠runningexplained.com⁠⁠⁠Research & production assistance by Sophie van Leeuwen