Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running

Shoes. As individual as… well, feet. In this episode’s conversation, we discuss training and racing shoes for both road and trail, what the unique features are as well as their (approximate) weights and price points. If your favorite  shoes have started to lose some life, this will give you some ideas you can take to your local running store to find your next running sole-mate. In the history of running, there has probably never been a time when more styles, brands, and models have been available. And every year, after countless hours of research, development, and testing, brands release something completely new and revolutionary as well as updated versions of our favorites.

Tom Fowler, president of Polar USA shares his thoughts on the future of wearables and how the data they provide will help the connected athlete improve their performance. Tom has vast expertise and engaging stories about fitness as a former professional triathlete, and via business experience with Intel, Recon Instruments and Cervelo Cycles plus a world handle on what runners want and need from technology.

Two medical doctors, who are also avid runners and personally advocate for the fat burning way of eating that creates ketosis, speak to host Stephanie Kay Atwood about fat loss and increased performance as a runner. We’re talking with Dr. Mark Cucuzzella and Art Zemach, who have both interviewed on this podcast before. This is an informative and interesting topic for many of you, presented from professionals who know the subject intimately. Both doctors have used the Low Carb /  High Fat concept in their own running and have offered to speak professionally as well as personally to the pros and cons of ketosis as a nutritional concept for runners.

Bob Babbitt highlights 5 outstanding athletes who have overcome horrifying disasters, danger, and difficulties to continue as runners and competitors. You’ll be hearing about Meb Keflezighi, possibly America's greatest marathoner of all time and his epic story originating in fleeing with his family from Africa; you’ll hear about endurance runner Johan Otter who was attacked by a grizzly bear, Danelle Ballengee who fell 60 feet into a canyon and survived for 56 hours and was rescued by her rescue dog(!); Jim Knaub, 5 time Boston Marathon Champion, and Scout Bassett, setting her sights on the US Paralympic team, hoping to medal in 2020 in Tokyo!

Staying on Top of Your Running Game - It’s a struggle to get there and, often, even more of a challenge to stay where you want to be with your running. Peyton Hoyal will share coaching tips on how he brings his clients to their best and helps them stay there.  We’ll also talk about the importance of a community of runners to support you. Whether it’s an actual team, a few good buddies, or a running club we’ll discuss the benefits of having other runners for support, accountability, and motivation.    

Shin Splints. ITB Syndrome. Patellofemoral Syndrome. The dreaded Plantar Fasciitis…  With even the slightest of niggles, we often keep ourselves up at night assuming we are developing any, or maybe even ALL of these injuries. But what are they exactly? And, as importantly, what aren’t they? How are they really caused and how does our perception of pain influence our recovery and rehab?  

Having struggled with Hashimoto's disease, Maria Aparis embarked on a journey that led her to understand the connection between gut health, autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s and natural healing techniques. Maria healed herself using ancient kundalini yogic science, all-natural plant allies and quantum energy mindset.

Dr. Ruth Parker and Dr. Carmen Patrick Mohan share their insight as primary care physicians to help athletes achieve their health and fitness goals. While focusing on women, they also offer practical tips and strategies for all genders, ages and levels of runners to become more fit and healthy.  

Some of us are lucky if we are able to run 5 days a week. Others even more fortunate may have been able to put together a streak of months or maybe even a couple years. Streaks are hard to maintain because so many things can get in the way; injuries, life, extreme weather… On today’s episode we interview Scott Ludwig who has run every day since November of 1978. Now that’s a lot of miles and a lot of years! Scott has stories about the big races like the Boston Marathon, the Western States 100, the Peachtree 5K and the Badwater 135 and the little, hidden races around much of the country. Chances are, over the 40 years of pounding the pavement, he’s run a bunch of them. He currently lives in a town that is part of the filming of The Walking Dead and directs a race that has evolved from that connection. This man is definitely a runner with a personality and a commitment to running! He has written several books on running and his recent book, Running Out of Gas is a fun collection of his experiences running around the country. Scott will entertain you and educate you on many of the races you may be considering in your running bucket list and perhaps some you may never have heard of.

On today’s episode we interview Lena Zentgraf, assistant race director for the Oakland Run Fest. Held in March each year for the past 10 years the Oakland Run Fest offers a marathon, a half marathon, a 5K, a relay, and a combo race that includes the 5K and half marathon.