The Running Explained Podcast is taking a hiatus for the next few months but Coach Elisabeth will be back!

Why can't I just THINK my way out of performance anxiety?? I should be mentally tougher!!Have you ever had this internal struggle? In this episode, former Division I athlete and licensed mental health therapist Emily Perrin flips the script on "mental toughness" and dives deep into the richer, more holistic concept of resilience. Emily helps us understand how resilience—rooted in childhood development, support, and self-compassion—offers a more complete set of tools for athletes navigating the mental and emotional ups and downs of training and racing. We explore how grounding techniques, body-based feedback, and self-compassion can turn pre-race jitters into a powerful tool for growth. With a focus on flexibility, self-awareness, and mindfulness, this conversation is packed with practical tips for building resilience and embracing the discomfort that comes with being an athlete. Coaches, take note—this one's all about empowering your athletes with a strengths-based approach! GUEST BIO: Emily Perrin, LMSW, is the CEO and Founder of Perrin Wellness and Performance, where she combines her expertise as a Licensed Master of Social Work, certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, and former Division I athlete to offer holistic mental health and performance coaching. Growing up in a sports-centric family with a Division I college basketball coach father and a background in competitive swimming and soccer, Emily’s journey has been deeply intertwined with athletics and coaching. However, her passion for mental health advocacy stems from her personal struggles with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which led her to discover mindfulness and integrative health practices. With a Master's in Clinical Social Work from the University of Denver and advanced training in trauma-informed care, Emily is dedicated to transforming sports culture to be more mental health-aware and proactive in promoting overall well-being. She offers education, speaking engagements, workshops, and coaching to support athletes, coaches, and sport organizations in achieving fulfillment, joy, and success beyond just winning.

In this discussion, Matt Chittim, a dedicated coach and host of The Rambling Runner Podcast, emphasizes that age should not limit running ambitions. He highlights the power of consistent training and the concept of 'training age' for all adult runners. The conversation also delves into the emotional hurdles athletes face, such as guilt and self-judgment, especially when performance goals aren't met. Matt encourages celebrating small victories while navigating the journey from beginner to aspiring Boston Qualifier, reminding listeners of their hidden potential.

Dr. Alyssa Olenick, an exercise physiologist and hybrid athlete, discusses the benefits of hybrid training for endurance runners. She explains the interference effect, shifting training intensity, and the application of hybrid training from off-season to pre-race taper. Dr. Olenick emphasizes the importance of balancing strength and endurance for health and performance goals, debunking myths about bulking up and highlighting the necessity of strength training for runners.

Dr. Lisa Mitro, a physical therapist specializing in running, discusses the importance of Zone 2 intensity for runners. Topics include easy running to prevent injury, convincing runners to slow down, using heart rate for defining zones, improving race paces, and more.

Luc Zoratto, a Sober Dad, Husband, and Marathoner, shares his inspiring journey from alcohol to running. He discusses how he came out of the 'sober closet' after qualifying for the Boston Marathon and emphasizes the emotional challenges of sobriety. Luc highlights the empowering nature of running in fostering personal growth and resilience while nurturing a supportive community. He articulates the transformative power of embracing vulnerability and the importance of redefining identity post-alcohol, encouraging others to pursue fulfilling lives.

Join biomechanical expert Jay Dicharry as he unveils secrets to better running and injury prevention. With a rich background in physical therapy and sports clinical specialization, Jay emphasizes that quality movement is essential. He explains why mobility, stability, strength, and power are crucial for running success. Learn how to optimize movement patterns and the importance of neural feedback for recovery. Jay shares tailored strategies for runners of all ages, encouraging comprehensive training for sustained performance.

Ashley Eckermann, a sports psychologist and founder of Maximize the Mind, shares her expertise on overcoming mental barriers in running. She discusses the importance of self-belief and mental resilience, revealing techniques like visualization and self-talk to tackle common challenges. Exploring the joys of running, Ashley emphasizes the need to celebrate achievements and shift nervous energy into excitement for better performance. Her insights encourage athletes to focus on enjoying their journey rather than just the outcome.

Coach Nick Klastava, a seasoned analyst of major athletic events, breaks down the thrilling upcoming battles at the Paris Olympics. He dives into the fierce competition in the men's and women's 1500m, spotlighting athletes like Yared Noguse and Sifan Hassan’s ambitious triple attempt. The discussion intensifies with the legendary rivalry of Kipchoge and Bekele in the marathon. Listeners will gain unique insights into race strategies, the emotional rollercoaster of the Games, and the future of cross country running in the Olympics.

Coach Elisabeth, Head Coach at Running Explained, delves into the world of caffeine and its impact on endurance performance. Topics include fast and slow metabolizers, dosing, timing, placebo effect, and caffeine's effect on heart rate. She explores how individual tolerance and responsible consumption play a role in maximizing caffeine's benefits for athletic performance.