Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running

If you’re a runner, chances are you’ve dealt with some form of running injury or know somebody who has.  Whether you have specific training goals or simply love the act of putting one foot in front of the other, it can be extremely frustrating to have your progress derailed by an injury.  As frustrating as it may be, these setbacks are incredibly common with studies showing up to 65% of runners will experience some kind of injury in a given year.  But how amazing would it be if you could prevent injuries before they happen and avoid the never-ending cycle of going from one injury to the next?  That’s exactly what we’ll be exploring in today’s episode as we dive into what you can do to build resilience against injury. We’re once again bringing on our expert coaches, this time to help you stay healthy and injury-free. During today’s show you’ll learn about: Why injuries happen strategies to reduce your chances of becoming injured How to tell an injury from a niggle  And how to safely get back into training if you do find yourself injured  We all know consistency is key to meeting your running goals. So if you’ve ever found yourself injured or simply want to improve your chances of staying healthy, this is the episode for you!  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: NuNee Struggling with Runners Knee? NuNee is an innovative new product designed specifically to treat Runner’s Knee. In fact, independent clinical research has shown that NuNee helped 9 of 10 runners start running again, immediately, without knee pain. Unlike other knee sleeves and supports that use compression, NuNee’s unique design relieves the pressure on your patella (knee cap), which provides immediate relief and aids your recovery. To learn more head to runnersconnect.net/NuNee. And to make it easy, the discount code RTTT50 will automatically be applied so you’ll save 50%. Even better, they offer a full money-back guarantee if you don’t experience immediate relief. Winter Running Retreat Spots are filling up fast for our winter running retreat in Orlando, Florida February 1st through the 4th.  It’s an awesome opportunity to get out of the cold for those that train in the northeast or midwest and the perfect training jumpstart for your big spring races like Boston, London and more. Plus, this year will be extra special because our retreat will coincide with the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials being held in Orlando! To see all the accommodations, prices, photos, schedule and all other details, head to runnersconnect.net/winter.

While we all start each training cycle rearing to go and extremely motivated for whatever training and life throws our way, the reality is we will all go through periods during training where we’re just not motivated. As an example, I know with some of the record heat this summer, it’s just plain exhausting to always be battling even when you get your runs in before the sun is up. There's no shortage of reasons we go through stints in our training when we just don’t feel motivated to get out the door. So, on today’s show we’re talking with author Mackenzie Havey. Mackenzie published an awesome book called “Mindful Running” so today we’re going to learn from her… How to overcome lack of motivation Tips and tactics to relieve anxiety about performance And the best ways to dispel negative thinking during training and racing We’re going to get in-depth about all these issues and the simple things you can implement in your daily training to conquer them. 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: Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers.  Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to… Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise Reduce inflammation  Significantly improve sleep quality Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training. When you’re looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium.  Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it’s made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough. For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you’ll save an additional 10% on any purchase.  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. AG 1 Ask yourself - do you get enough green veggies each day? I'll admit, I don't. It's tough to fit all of those greens in with an active and busy lifestyle. But getting in your fruits + veggies is SO crucial as a distance runner for recovery, digestion, and optimal performance. That's where Athletic Greens is a gamechanger. One scoop has 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, green superfood blend, and more. That means fewer stomach issues, more focus and energy throughout the day (because the workday matters just as much as the morning run), and overall ... just feeling healthier. Look, if you're struggling to get those fruits + veggies in - or if you keep buying them but they always go bad in the fridge - Athletic Greens will make getting those micronutrients simple and delicious. Get 5 BONUS travel packs and a year's supply of Vitamin D when you order at athleticgreens.com/rttt. Get yours now!

It’s not uncommon to hear conflicting information when it comes to training, nutrition, shoes and more.  There’s often a lot of misleading claims and it can be hard to tell what’s right and what might not be. So, in today’s show, we’ll go over some common beliefs in the running world to help sort out which have merit when it comes to your training.  We’re calling it truth vs myth and we’ll be using the latest research and science to help you make sense of what’s accurate and what’s not. To make this distinction we’re once again turning to our expert group of RC coaches who will cover topics including: Does more mileage make you a faster runner? Can super shoes really increase efficiency? Do you need to stretch before your runs? Is it possible that smiling can increase running performance? And many more popular claims For tips on an effective pre-run warmup check out our RC article on Proper dynamic stretching routine for runners. Video demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6rWCPZNHxQ 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: NuNee Struggling with Runners Knee? NuNee is an innovative new product designed specifically to treat Runner’s Knee. In fact, independent clinical research has shown that NuNee helped 9 of 10 runners start running again, immediately, without knee pain. Unlike other knee sleeves and supports that use compression, NuNee’s unique design relieves the pressure on your patella (knee cap), which provides immediate relief and aids your recovery. To learn more head to runnersconnect.net/NuNee. And to make it easy, the discount code RTTT50 will automatically be applied so you’ll save 50%. Even better, they offer a full money-back guarantee if you don’t experience immediate relief. Dri Seats If you’re tired of sweaty, smelly and stained seats after your runs then you have to check out the car seat covers made specifically for runners from driseats. DriSeats waterproof seat covers are designed specifically for runners. Unlike towels, they are 100% waterproof and easily fit over your entire seat so you don’t have any missed spots. Plus, they are super easy to slide over your seat so it’s ready in seconds and they are machine washable so they are easy to clean and be ready for your next run. You can head to driseats.com and use code RC20 to get 20% off first order

One of the most common setbacks in the running sphere is the onset of runner’s knee. Perhaps, it’s affected you at various points in the past, you’re currently suffering from it at this moment, or you’re worried that such an injury is right around the corner. Do not worry! Joining us on the podcast today is Ben Shatto, a licensed Physical Therapist committed to helping proactive runners of all ages to understand how to safely self-treat and manage common musculoskeletal, neurological, and mobility related conditions in a timely manner so they can reach their optimal health.   In this conversation dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and proactive avoidance of runner’s knee, we discuss: the common symptoms of runner’s knee and how it’s differentiated from other knee injuries specific risk factors that make certain athlete prone to developing this condition whether there are scenarios where you can continue training through runner’s knee specific exercises that can strengthen and stabilize the knee area to aid in recovery the most effective treatment options for this condition  the typical recovery timeline for runner’s knee And more! Listen to this episode to get the low down on runner’s knee, what causes it, how it can be treated, and what you can do in training and lifestyle to reduce your risk for this injury and stay consistent with your running. Getting Started | The Physical Therapy Advisor  The Physical Therapy Advisor - YouTube NuNee: Runner's Knee Pain Relief (nuneeshop.com) 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  Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's 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. Even better, 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 get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect. Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers.  Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to… Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise Reduce inflammation  Significantly improve sleep quality Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training. When you’re looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium.  Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it’s made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough. For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you’ll save an additional 10% on any purchase.   

Have you heard about our in-person running retreats, but can’t fit the travel, time off or budget to make it happen? Have been curious about going, but not sure exactly what they are or if it’s a good fit for you? Well, in today’s podcast episode, Coach Jeff is going to detail his latest trip to Flagstaff, Arizona so you can get an inside look at what it’s really like. Plus, he’s going to discuss some of the lessons he personally took from the retreat. You’ll learn… Why you shouldn’t be afraid of altitude (and how to conquer it) How to get over your fear of being slow or not “good enough” Why lifting heavy is essential for Masters runners (even though most are scared of it) Plus, more little lessons he learned throughout the long weekend. This is really a unique inside look at our retreats and while I know most of you won’t be able to attend one of our retreats, we’re still eager to help you learn and get value from everything we do. 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: UCAN If you’re looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN. Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels.  By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run. All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance. Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT Heal from the Amino Company Heal from the Amino Company. Heal is an amino acid, whey and creatine based formulation designed to reduce recovery times and improve physical function after injuries by accelerating muscle repair while helping maintain a healthy inflammatory response. Check out the research here: aminoco.com/rttt If you're looking for a nutritional advantage when it comes to recovering from your running injury or your daily training I recommend you give Heal a try. If you’re interested in learning  more and giving Heal a try, we’ve got a special offer for you where you can save 30% by using the code RC30. Just head to: aminoco.com/rttt and use the code RC30 at checkout to save 30%

If you’ve been a RunnersConnect fan for long enough, you know one of the main principles we believe in when it comes to marathon training is improving your body’s ability to burn fat as a fuel source while running, especially while at marathon pace. So, how exactly do we do this and what does some of the latest research say? The research in question revolves around the two concepts of Nutrition Periodization and Metabolic Efficiency Training. Together they increase the body's ability to use fat as fuel during exercise and thus optimize both body composition and performance.  Joining us in this episode is Bob Seebohar, the creator of these two concepts. He’s going to help you learn… What these two concepts are and why they are so critical to your running performance. How to utilize them during your training and taper And how tweak these concepts to improve body composition, and reduce GI issues If you’re racing a fall half or full, this is a must listen! 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: Qualia Mind from NeuroHacker Tired of Morning Fatigue After Your Workouts? Qualia Mind is a natural neurotropic designed to improve daily mental performance, especially if you’re a morning runner and struggle to focus at work after runs. I noticed the difference in just days...to my focus, my mood, my memory and my willpower to GET. THINGS. DONE, especially on those days when morning training really has me feeling unmotivated.  Go to neurohacker.com/RTTT for $100 OFF, and use code RTTT for an extra 15% off  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.  

Last week, our coaches Andie and Michael walked us through how runners should be thinking about using protein supplements and which of some commonly taken vitamins are beneficial for runners. If you have not already listened to that episode, you can find part 1 of our underrated vs overrated nutrition edition, released July 21st, on whatever platform you like to listen to your podcasts. There were a lot of great insights in that show and I highly recommend you give it a listen. This week, Andie and Michael are back to finish off this conversation on underrated vs. overrated with topics including: Can your morning cup of coffee improve running performance? Do you need to take gels for your longer races? Are fasted runs beneficial to your performance? And so much more! Let’s get into it! Timestamps: Beetroot juice: 2:56 Beta-alanine: 8:10 Caffeine: 12:41 Gels & hydration mixes: 19:02 Fasted runs: 25:34 Carb loading: 33:23 Keto: 37:53 Final thoughts: 46:50  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: UCAN If you’re looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN. Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels.  By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run. All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance. Head to https://runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT DriSeats If you’re tired of sweaty, smelly and stained seats after your runs then you have to check out the car seat covers made specifically for runners from driseats. DriSeats waterproof seat covers are designed specifically for runners. Unlike towels, they are 100% waterproof and easily fit over your entire seat so you don’t have any missed spots. Plus, they are super easy to slide over your seat so it’s ready in seconds and they are machine washable so they are easy to clean and be ready for your next run. You can head to driseats.com and use code RC20 to get 20% off first order

Improving your mind, your body, and the impact your have on the running community and the greater environment around you - these are the topics of conversation in today’s episode with Tina Muir and Zoe Rom. Their upcoming book - Becoming A Sustainable Runner - serves as a practical guide for runners of all abilities and backgrounds who want to better support their own endurance journey, and extend those lessons into meaningful environmental action. Specifically, we discuss: strategies to strive toward ambitious running goals while fostering a healthy sense of self-worth the spectrum between self-sabotage and self-acceptance in running and the ways to land in the camp of self-acceptance more frequently throughout our running careers? accepting who you are while still entertaining ambitions for growth the major takeaways they’ve discovered around reducing injury risk, strength training, and eating appropriately to be your best running self their philosophy around imperfect environment activism practical strategies for reducing our overall consumption and adopting a more sustainable lifestyle in the running community Let’s get into it! Connect, Comment, Community Pre-order Becoming A Sustainable Runner here 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  Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's 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. Even better, 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 get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect. Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers.  Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to… Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise Reduce inflammation  Significantly improve sleep quality Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training. When you’re looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium.  Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it’s made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough. For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top  listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you’ll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

When it comes to running performance, there are way too many variables to count and this can lead to some pretty strong opinions about what strategies work and which are a waste of your time.  In today’s show, we’ll be tackling several controversial running topics and getting our expert coaches to weigh in on which are overrated or underrated.  In this new format, our panel will be given a series of popular topics and tell you why they think each one is either overhyped or why you should be focusing on it if your goal is to progress as a runner.  Today’s discussion on overrated & underrated running topics will focus on fueling & nutrition.  We’ll be going over many nutrient types, training supplements, and fueling strategies so you know what to focus on for nailing down your personal nutrition.  To help us make those tough decisions we’ve brought you two of our expert coaches, Andie and Michael, who will be on our panel for the day.  In this episode you’ll learn: Do you need protein supplements as a runner and what are the best ways to meet your protein needs Which vitamins matter most to runners Are there nutritional products with performance-enhancing effects Should you be following any specific types of diet And we’ll hear from our coaches on what you should be focusing on to get the most out of your training nutrition We all need to eat so if you’ve ever wondered how your fueling can improve running performance this is the episode for you. Let’s get into it! Timestamps: Protein powder: 3:54 Protein snack: 10:53 Collagen: 16:08 Fish oil and omegas: 22:17 Vitamin D: 25:20 Multivatimins: 35:01 Iron: 40:04 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: NuNee Struggling with Runners Knee? NuNee is an innovative new product designed specifically to treat Runner’s Knee. In fact, independent clinical research has shown that NuNee helped 9 of 10 runners start running again, immediately, without knee pain. Unlike other knee sleeves and supports that use compression, NuNee’s unique design relieves the pressure on your patella (knee cap), which provides immediate relief and aids your recovery. To learn more head to runnersconnect.net/NuNee. And to make it easy, the discount code RTTT50 will automatically be applied so you’ll save 50%. Even better, they offer a full money-back guarantee if you don’t experience immediate relief. Perform from the Amino Company Perform is an amino acid based formulation that I simply add to my water bottle during my run. It tastes great and is easy on my stomach. Clinical studies have shown that Perform helps improve endurance, reduce fatigue, and increases muscle protein synthesis so you recover faster after the run. Check out the research here: https://aminoco.com/rttt If you’re interested in learning  more and giving Perform a try, we’ve got a special offer for you where you can save 30% by using the code RC30. Just head to: aminoco.com/rttt and use the code RC30 at checkout to save 30%

We all know that injuries are the biggest impediment to our continued progression and improvement. The longer you can get in uninterrupted training, the more consistently you’ll improve. That said, there’s a lot we can do (or at least should be doing) to modify our training to reduce the risk of injury. To help us dig deep into exactly what these elements are, we’re interviewing Ethan Paster.  Ethan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and has extensive experience working with runners one-on-one to keep them healthy and build back safely from existing injuries. We’re going to cover… When it’s okay to run through and injury and when it’s not (and how to go about it safely) The most important modifications you can make to your training to decrease injury risk How to deal with pain management when returning from an injury And much more. This is a great interview for any new runner, but also a great reminder for experienced runners as well.  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 Nutrition Timeline Nutrition has developed a groundbreaking product called Mitopure that revitalizes your mitochondria, which creates energy in nearly every cell in your body so it has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers.  Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to… Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise Reduce inflammation  Significantly improve sleep quality Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training. When you’re looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium.  Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it’s made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough. For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top  listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you’ll save an additional 10% on any purchase.