Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running

It’s the beginning of February and that means most of us are in the midst of our training for spring races. With races still a few months away, and the training starting to get difficult, this is a great time to start thinking about the mental component to your training and racing.  Mental training is often overlooked as we focus so much of our attention on the physical aspects of our workouts. But, being mentally strong and knowing how to overcome the mental challenges that every race and training plan present is a critical piece to your success. So, today you’ll hear from some of our best guests we’ve had on the podcast over the last few years on mental training. You’ll learn… How to improve your confidence How to deal with bad things happening on race day Learning to push through pain Mental training techniques you can use in training to improve your mental toughness. For those of you who are RunnersConnect members and want more on mental training, be sure to check out the Mental Training Summit inside the Courses section of your training plan.  If you’re not a member and want to check it out, here is the link to learn more about the mental summit: Get Unlimited Access to 15 Psychologists, Therapists, and Expert Interviews (and more) This is the perfect episode for those of you training for spring races. We hope you enjoy! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better.  Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria.  Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. BiOptimzers Sleep If you struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep all night, then you’re going to love the new product from BiOpimizes called Sleep Breakthrough. Sleep Breakthrough is a delicious sleep drink that supports your natural melatonin production and relaxation without creating a dependency so you can have your best night’s sleep on demand You’ll fall asleep in minutes and you’ll stay asleep throughout the night.  For an exclusive offer for our listeners go to sleepbreakthrough.com/runtothetop In addition to the discount you get by using promo code RUN10, you can unlock special gifts with purchase with retail values of at least 20 dollars.  

Not including proper progression in your strength routines is one of the biggest reasons you may still be getting injured despite performing injury prevention routines and why your progress may have stalled. In today’s episode, Coach Jeff is going to help you fix this by… Explaining what progression is and why it’s important The different ways you can add-in progressive overload to your training Walk you through a 4-phase progression you can implement in your training today. If you’re not currently implementing progression into your strength training, this is a must listen! To make it easier for you to implement, Get your FREE copy of Strength Progression PDF now. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Mobility Wall We all know how important foam rolling is for staying injury-free and just plain feeling better for every run. But, let’s face it, many of us skip it because clearing out space on the floor feels like too much work, the pressure is too painful and difficult to control, or you can’t seem to hit the right spots. That’s why I was so amazed when I saw the door-mounted foam roller from Mobility Wall.  The Mobility Wall device mounts to your doorframe in just a few seconds and is easy to move up and down the frame in just a few seconds.  Not only does this get you off the ground and ready to foam roll in just a few seconds, it also allows you to easily hit muscles in your neck and shoulders that aren’t possible with a traditional foam roller.  Even better, because you’re off the ground, you don’t have to control gravity to adjust the pressure. You simply use upward and inward pressure, which is much easier to control. The days of painful foam rolling are over.  If you’ve been wanting to get more consistent with your injury-prevention work this year, the Mobility Wall foam roller will be a game changer. I can’t believe how much more I’ve been foam rolling since I started using it.  Plus, we’ve got a special offer for you. Just go to mobilitywall.com/RTTT or enter RTTT at checkout for 20% off your first order. Plus, it comes with a free app that gives you video instructions on exactly how to hit every area. Lagoon Pillow Countless research studies have shown that pillow selection can have a dramatic impact on sleep quality. For example, a systematic review of ergonomic sleep data demonstrated that selecting a pillow based on your sleep position (on your back or on your side) dramatically improved sleep quality and reduced spinal pain. Likewise, research has shown that pillow firmness and height also had positive impacts on sleep quality when adjusted for sleep position and the subject's height. Multiple studies have also shown that pillow stuffing that can keep you cool throughout the night leads to much better deep sleep outcomes. That’s why we love the pillows designed by Lagoon. Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery. Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more. And the data on sleep improvement isn’t only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.   If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top  Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that’s perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you’ll also save 15% off your purchase. 

Angelo Poli is a Transformation Specialist and the creator of the MetPro system, an advanced methodology that analyzes a person’s specific response to diet and activity, and adjusts based on their personal needs and goals.  In this week’s episode, you’ll learn more about: the relationship between diet metabolism and running fitness lifestyle evaluation and actionable strategies you can take to master your nutrition and truly  meet your running goals how the process of metabolic profiling can help you reach your transformation goals as a runner when and why it makes sense to have a personalized nutrition coach in your running journey Have you ever heard of metabolic profiling before? Let us know in the comments! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Elo Health: Finding the right supplements at the right dosages specifically for your needs isn’t easy. That’s why we love Elo Health. Elo uses a combination of at-home blood biomarker testing, Apple Health data, and Dietitian support to determine exactly the right supplements just for you. Once you have your results, they set you up with a registered dietician to go over your results and explain what each biomarker means. Then they’ll go over the scientific literature behind each supplement they recommend based on your personal health markers. Your custom supplements are delivered straight to your door every month, divided into convenient daily packets and evolve as your biomarkers and health data change. If you’d like to give Elo a try, you can get a free blood biomarker test (a $200 value) by going to elo.health and entering code RTTT.  LMNT: LMNT is loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. They are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order.  So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends. To claim this exclusive deal you go to drinkLMNT.com/runnersconnect. 

Many of us enjoy nothing more than a cold beer on a hot day or a strong drink after a long work shift.  However, what impact, if any, does this have on our training and racing goals? Obviously, you’re not drinking beers before you run, so is there any detriment? The research and answers may surprise you. In today’s uptempo talk, Coach Dylan and Coach Ruairi are going to dive into the pros and cons of alcohol consumption on your running and even discuss the beer mile along the way.  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: CollaGenius: Adding collagen to your daily recovery routine can dramatically improve your recovery and ability to stay healthy.  If you want to try collagen yourself, our recommendation is CollaGenius because it contains an efficacious dose at 2.5g of collagen with no added fillers or proprietary blends. If you’re interested in trying it out, head to nootopia.com/runtothetopgenius and user code run10 during checkout to save 10 percent. Oladance: If you’re looking for better and safer headphones while you run, then you need to check out Oladance.  Their open-ear-design and dynamic drive delivers premium sound while still being comfortable and allowing you to hear your surroundings to stay safe.  To help out, we’ve locked in a special deal with Oladance for Runners Connect listeners. Just visit oladance.com/RTTT and use code RTTT to save 20% on your purchase.

Nick ran cross country in high school, setting a 5k PR of 17:49 way back in 2005. But in 2012 he developed a severe case of achilles tendonitis which caused him to hang up the racing shoes for almost 10 years! Now he’s back to training - but he’s having some trouble. Some injuries, overly intense workouts, and in general he doesn’t feel like he’s quite on track to reach his goals. What could be behind the present difficulty? We have some ideas! On this weeks Training Plan Rescue, Coach Michael covers: How to effectively come back from a big running hiatus If and when you should emulate what the pro runners do We’ll set Nick up for success moving forward. Anyone had similar difficulties as Nick? Let us know in the comments! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: CollaGenius: Adding collagen to your daily recovery routine can dramatically improve your recovery and ability to stay healthy.  If you want to try collagen yourself, our recommendation is CollaGenius because it contains an efficacious dose at 2.5g of collagen with no added fillers or proprietary blends. If you’re interested in trying it out, head to nootopia.com/runtothetopgenius and user code run10 during checkout to save 10 percent. Oladance: If you’re looking for better and safer headphones while you run, then you need to check out Oladance. Their open-ear-design and dynamic drive delivers premium sound while still being comfortable and allowing you to hear your surroundings to stay safe.  To help out, we’ve locked in a special deal with Oladance for Runners Connect listeners. Just visit oladance.com/RTTT and use code RTTT to save 20% on your purchase.

Do you have a goal time you’ve been eyeing but aren’t sure if and when it will be attainable? Or are you fairly new to running and wondering what to expect from your rate of improvement? This is a fairly common question and the short answer is, it depends.  In today’s episode, we’ll help you… Determine how much you should expect to improve race to race  Understand the factors to consider when it comes to getting faster. The specific things you can work on to ensure you maximize your potential through the year Want more? Download your FREE Improvement Performance Calculator now. Enjoy the chat today and of course, let us know if you have any questions of your own on any of our social media channels. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: LMNT LMNT is loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. They are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order.  So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends. To claim this exclusive deal you go to drinkLMNT.com/runnersconnect.  Lagoon Sleep Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery. If you want to see the dramatic effect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top. Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that’s perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you’ll also save 15% off your purchase.

There’s no doubt that winter running can be some of the most difficult months of training, especially if you have a big race coming up in April or May and you have to be focused on getting in the work. Motivation fades when every run requires dressing in 10lbs of gear and braving the elements or constantly fretting about how to adapt yet another workout for the ice and snow.  That’s why in today’s podcast roundup, we’re going to help teach you everything we’ve learned over the past 10 years about training in winter conditions. And no, these are just another round of “wear layers” type of tips (although we do recommend this). Instead, we’re going to hear from some experts on exactly how to adapt your workouts, stay motivated, and make sure your spring race is your best yet, whatever mother nature throws at you this weekend. Grab your free download of our Treadmill Guide for Runners now! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: BiOptimizers Most magnesium supplements fail because they are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough. The reason Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizers is so effective is because it’s the only organic full-spectrum magnesium supplement that includes 7 unique forms of magnesium all in each pill. By making Magnesium Breakthrough part of your daily routine, you’ll be fully rested, recharged, and ready to crush all your New Year’s resolutions. For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top listeners go magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop In addition to the 10% discount you get by using promo code run10, you will unlock a special gift with purchase - for a limited time only. Elo Health Finding the right supplements at the right dosages specifically for your needs isn’t easy. That’s why we love Elo Health. Elo uses a combination of at-home blood biomarker testing, Apple Health data, and Dietitian support to determine exactly the right supplements just for you. Once you have your results, they set you up with a registered dietician to go over your results and explain what each biomarker means. Then they’ll go over the scientific literature behind each supplement they recommend based on your personal health markers. Your custom supplements are delivered straight to your door every month, divided into convenient daily packets and evolve as your biomarkers and health data change. If you’d like to give Elo a try, you can get a free blood biomarker test (a $200 value) by going to elo.health and entering code RTTT. 

Welcome to our coach chat this week and our first podcast of the new year. As we all try to get our 2023 started off on the right track, one of the first things we start to think about is tracking towards our goals. As any good coach will tell you, one of the most critical pieces to achieving any goal you set for yourself is tracking your progress along the way. Unfortunately, many runners are not aware that they are often too concerned with the wrong metrics in their training. The result is often frustration, stagnant race results, and injuries. So, today we’re going to go over a couple of common metrics many runners put too much focus on and how you can shift your mindset should you fall victim to these familiar pitfalls. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Collagenius: Collagen peptides are one of the latest supplements to take the running world by storm in our never-ending quest to improve recovery. With strong collagen levels, your body will better handle the pounding that comes with running so many miles. If you want to try collagen yourself, our recommendation is CollaGenius because it contains an efficacious dose at 2.5g of collagen with no added fillers or proprietary blends.  If you’re interested in trying it out, head to  nootopia.com/runtothetopgenius and use run10 during checkout to save 10% off your next order Oladance: If you’re looking for better and safer headphones while you run, then you need to check out Oladance. Their open-ear-design and dynamic drive delivers premium sound while still being comfortable and allowing you to hear your surroundings to stay safe.  To help out, we’ve locked in a special deal with Oladance for Runners Connect listeners. Just visit oladance.com/RTTT and use code RTTT to save 20% on your purchase.

When it comes to executing workouts, understanding aspects like pace, distance, and duration might already be at the top of your mind. But how much thought have you given to the importance of the rest intervals in your workouts? Can you distinguish between what you need for something like a neuromuscular-based workout versus the rest you need for threshold intervals?  Come to think of it, you might have other questions too. Like on those days where things aren’t clicking, does it make sense to stop a workout? And if so, when is it prudent to move it to the next day?  Well, this is another episode of Run To The Top with RunnersConnect coaches Dylan Belles and Ruari Moynihan discussing the appropriate rest intervals and rest paces associated with 5 paces and intensities and the questions of when you should stop a workout and if and when you should consider moving these workouts to another day.  Tune in to hear their discussion. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Oladance: If you’re looking for better and safer headphones while you run, then you need to check out Oladance. Their open-ear-design and dynamic drive delivers premium sound while still being comfortable and allowing you to hear your surroundings to stay safe.  To help out, we’ve locked in a special deal with Oladance for Runners Connect listeners. Just visit oladance.com/RTTT and use code RTTT to save 20% on your purchase. Metpro: MetPro is a world-renowned concierge nutrition, fitness & lifestyle coaching company. Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.  Run to the Top listeners receive a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert. To claim this offer head to metpro.co/rttt

What are your thoughts on exogenous ketones? Are you familiar? Are you wondering what they have to do with running? Well, in this episode you are in for a treat. Brian McMahon, runner and Chief Strategy Officer at deltaG - a company that makes exogenous ketones - joins Run To The Top to talk about what ketones are, the difference between options out there on the market for runners (particularly, the difference between ketone “esters” and “salts”), their benefits for running performance, recovery, and even day to day life, recommended programs for usage, and much more.  If you’re curious to learn more about ways that you can sustainably and optimally fuel your body during prolonged exercise and tough training blocks, this episode is for you.  In addition to the science of ketones, Brian and I do a deep dive into the history of its development and usage in military and endurance sports environments, and talk a bit as well about what the next few years could look like for its adoption in the running community.  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: P3OM: If you’ve struggled with stomach issues in training or racing or frequently get sick when training hard, adding a high quality probiotic supplement could be the key to relieving both issues. As always, the quality and type of probiotic supplement you take can have a huge impact on its effectiveness. That’s why we recommend P3-OM probiotics.  P3-OM is a patented probiotic that uses the most effective strain of probiotic and also at the highest recommended effective dosages. This strain is also proteolytic, meaning it is maintainable in the human digestive system and it doesn’t require refrigeration.  It’s a secret weapon for upgrading your immunity and protection against bad bacteria. If you’re interested in trying it out, you can get 10% off P3-OM right now by going to p3om.com/runtothetop and using code code run10. Oladance: If you’re looking for better and safer headphones while you run, then you need to check out Oladance. Their open-ear-design and dynamic drive delivers premium sound while still being comfortable and allowing you to hear your surroundings to stay safe.  To help out, we’ve locked in a special deal with Oladance for Runners Connect listeners. Just visit oladance.com/RTTT and use code RTTT to save 20% on your purchase.