The Running Explained Podcast

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.

Holley Samuel, a registered dietitian specializing in nutrition for athletes, discusses the common question: "Why am I gaining weight during marathon training?" She highlights normal weight fluctuations and encourages a shift from appearance to performance. Holley emphasizes embracing body changes at different life stages and challenges the stigma around weight gain. The conversation also breaks stereotypes within the running community, advocating for health inclusivity and prioritizing overall well-being over societal ideals of appearance.

Learn how runners can improve performance in the heat through heat acclimation, cooling strategies, and hyperhydration. Discover the benefits of heat adaptation, different training methods, and personalized hydration plans for extreme conditions.

Discover why running in hot weather slows you down and the science behind it. Learn about thermoregulation, hydration, and the risks of exertional heat stroke. Find out how heat affects VO2 Max, the importance of staying hydrated, and tips for optimal performance in the heat.

Dr. Matt Silver, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, discusses the science of mobility and tissue quality for running. Topics include key areas for performance, when to stretch vs strengthen, and the surprising importance of big toe mobility. Learn about using lacrosse balls and foam rollers for better mobility!

Sports scientist Jonah Rosner discusses the importance of data-driven training for athletes, emphasizing the balance between objective data and personal intuition. Topics include heart rate monitoring accuracy, individualized data collection, leveraging subjective feedback, optimizing training through data-driven approaches, and the benefits of using data in everyday training. The conversation highlights the significance of trends over individual data points and the impact of external factors like heat on performance.