Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running

If you’ve paid any attention to elite racing times or even had conversations with anyone in your running group, then you know all about “Super Shoes”. If you’re a new runner, “Super Shoes” are the general term for running shoes made for racing that contain a carbon fiber footplate that adds more “spring” to each step and thus improves running economy by reducing the amount of work a runner must do while running at a given speed. Coach Michael and Coach Andie discuss how super shoes have changed the elite running landscape, but more importantly, discuss what super shoes mean for the “average runner”. They’ll talk about… When should you give super shoes a tryWhy you should avoid wearing them too oftenHow much will they help (hint: everyone will be different) You’re going to love this in-depth deep dive on all things super shoes, plus takeaway some lessons you can apply to your own running! 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: Delta G Ketones have been one of the most well-researched chemicals when it comes to endurance performance. Their only downside is that it typically takes 2 days of fasting for your body to produce them in quantities that would help your performance But, thanks to deltaG and collaborations from the US Military and researchers from NIH and the University of Oxford, they’ve developed a ketone drink that can boost your ketone levels to those seen after 2 days of fasting in just 20 minutes.  The academic literature on the effectiveness of ketones for running performance is overwhelming. If you want to see more of the research, head to runnersconnect.net/deltag Plus, use the code RTT20 when you do and you can save 20% on any purchase you make. Oladance If you’re looking for better and safer headphones while you run, then you need to check out oladance.  The unique design of their headphones allows you to listen to your favorite music and podcast while running, yet still hear everything going on around you so you can stay safe. But my favorite part is that their open-ear-design means your ears will never get tired or fatigued, even after 2 hours or more of listening. That makes them perfect for those super long runs. Plus, their dynamic driver is 3 x bigger than most headphones, which allows them to deliver superior sound, while still being comfortable. Just visit oladance.com/RTTT and use the code TOP to save 20% on your purchase.

There’s a lot of content for new runners just getting started and of course a ton of books, videos, etc for experienced runners trying to break through plateaus and achieve that final 5-10%. But, what about those of you in the middle? Not completely new to running, but certainly nowhere near your potential with a ton left to learn. Well, today’s an episode for you.  Coach Jeff is going to analyze the training of Mike Boiling and help answer some of the most difficult questions like… How to prevent information overloadHow to train optimally when your fitness and paces are changing so rapidlyHow to know when it’s time or you’re ready to increase your volume or intensity Ready for another awesome lesson? Let’s get to it! 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  Did you know that you’re likely to sweat as much, if not more, in the winter than in the summer? That’s because we often wear such warm clothes to start our runs, which leads to more sweating towards the end. Plus, the sweat gets absorbed by our clothes, so it’s harder to notice. Now, you already know that when you sweat, you lose electrolytes, which are essential for your body's best performance.  But you've also been told that too much salt is bad for you, so it can get confusing to know what to do. The truth is that athletes, healthy eaters, and heavy sweaters all need more sodium and just about everyone needs more potassium in their diet and we don't need a bunch of sugar and artificial junk along the way.  Element is the hydration solution designed with athletes and everyone who sweats in mind. Element comes in lots of salty flavors that even the saltiest sweaters will love, such as citrus, raspberry, and orange.  It even comes unflavored for those who prefer the clean, salty taste. That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this winter. 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 claim this exclusive deal you must go to drinkLMNT.com/runnersconnect.

Antibiotics. We’ve all likely taken them at some point to fight off a lingering sickness or to help control more serious infections like strep throat, ear infections or bladder infections. But, did you know that antibiotics might also negatively impact your running?  In fact, taking antibiotics is often unknowingly the cause of poor race and training results. Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be using antibiotics. You should always listen to your doctor. However, it does mean that you should be aware of what potential changes to your training and racing schedule you might need to make when taking them. In today’s episode, Coach Ruiari and Dylan are going to discuss what you need to look out for when taking antibiotics and how to safely modify your training should you need 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: 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: https://aminoco.com/rttt and use the code RC30 at checkout to save 30% Oladance If you’re looking for better and safer headphones while you run, then you need to check out oladance.  The unique design of their headphones allows you to listen to your favorite music and podcast while running, yet still hear everything going on around you so you can stay safe. But my favorite part is that their open-ear-design means your ears will never get tired or fatigued, even after 2 hours or more of listening. That makes them perfect for those super long runs. Plus, their dynamic driver is 3 x bigger than most headphones, which allows them to deliver superior sound, while still being comfortable. Just visit oladance.com/ RTTT and use the code TOP to save 20% on your purchase.

Are you getting high-quality sleep on a nightly basis? If you’re one of the 67% of Americans that report frequent sleep issues, perhaps, you’re not but you’re looking for answers. In this episode of the Run To The Top Podcast, sleep expert Matt Gallant from BOptimizers joins the show to discuss: lifestyle and environmental factors that prevent a good night’s sleepdaily protocols you can adopt to course correct and sleep better research around why improving sleep quality is the most important biological optimizerhow runners specifically benefit from improved sleep qualitytracking sleep cycles and why all sleep isn’t created equal If you’re curious about the state of sleep research and the simple, actionable steps you can take to dramatically improve your sleep quality (as well as the quality of your training and recovery), tune into this episode! 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  Stress is a common factor that affects everyone in today's fast-paced world, leading to various health issues, including heart problems, inflammation, obesity, and mental illness. While most people focus on finding relief through meditation or trips to the spa, what if the root cause of stress is actually a deficiency in a key nutrient? Introducing Magnesium Breakthrough, the ultimate magnesium supplement that offers the full spectrum of all seven types of magnesium, specially formulated to reach every tissue in your body for maximum health benefits. This one-of-a-kind product is designed to reverse low levels of magnesium, which could be causing a multitude of health problems. But what sets Magnesium Breakthrough apart is its ability to impact the release of stress hormones, like cortisol, and block the activity of more stimulating neurotransmitters, leading to a more peaceful and resting state. This means that this supplement acts like a brake on your body's nervous system, helping to calm and soothe, promoting a better quality of life. If you’re interested to see just how much Magnesium can help, simply go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop and use the code Run10. And for a limited time if you buy 3 bottles you can get exciting Gifts with Purchases like Blue light-blocking glasses and more! AG1 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!

Do you ever wonder why some runners are better at shorter distances while others are far more suited to longer distances?   Well, a lot of this has to do with the type of muscle fibers you’re predisposed to having.   But, what many runners don’t know is that there are ways to train to specifically target certain muscle fiber types and thus improve our weaknesses.   In today’s episode, Coach Andie is going to take an in-depth look at muscle fibers to better understand how they influence your training.   You’ll learn what the different muscle fiber types are and what they do and how to specifically target each in your training.   Now, don’t worry, you don’t need a science degree to follow along, she’ll keep it simple. 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: Delta G Ketones have been one of the most well-researched chemicals when it comes to endurance performance. Their only downside is that it typically takes 2 days of fasting for your body to produce them in quantities that would help your performance But, thanks to deltaG and collaborations from the US Military and researchers from NIH and the University of Oxford, they’ve developed a ketone drink that can boost your ketone levels to those seen after 2 days of fasting in just 20 minutes.  The academic literature on the effectiveness of ketones for running performance is overwhelming. If you want to see more of the research, head to runnersconnect.net/deltag Plus, use the code RTT20 when you do and you can save 20% on any purchase you make. 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.

Learning how to properly fuel before and after your runs can be a tricky piece of the running puzzle to figure out since there’s no one correct answer for everyone.   It’s no surprise then that some of the most common questions we receive on our social channels and over email involve fueling for training.   In today’s episode, we’re going to have our team of coaches give you the answers to some of the questions we’ve received about fueling before and after runs.   Our coaches will help you figure out… The best way to approach fueling before super early runs Whether glycogen depleted runs should be a part of your training How to properly fuel for double workout days How to ensure you get enough calories in on long run days What to focus on after your runs in terms of fueling Any special modifications you need to make on long run days And finally, what being hungry all the time or at night means  If you’ve ever had questions about your pre or post run fueling practices, you’re going to love this episode. 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: 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. 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.

While you might not have been able to join is in-person for our first in-person retreat of 2023, Coach Andie and Coach Michael talk in-depth about some of the biggest lessons both our attendees and coaches experienced over the 4-day weekend.   You’ll learn… Why you are not as “slow” as you think How your form is better than you realize That you’re not weird if you love running! (maybe a little) How not to underestimate yourself Why connection and camaraderie have greater impacts than we expect Along the way, they’ll discuss super shoes, the marathon trials, USATF scandals and more.   This is a fun conversation and inside peak at what our running retreats are like. You’re going to love it and learn a lot! 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: 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: https://aminoco.com/rttt and use the code RC30 at checkout to save 30% Ned Chai Shuteye Chai is a latte for sleep that combines adaptogens, aminos, functional mushrooms, and magnesium wrapped in a heavenly masala chai-inspired spiced body. Specifically, ingredients such as chaga, reishi, and ashwagandha help calm your central nervous system, which we know is always elevated from training, family and work stress, and too much screen time. If you’re looking for a delicious way to feel more relaxed and calm before you go to bed and get more quality sleep, discover how Shuteye Chai can revolutionize your sleep and get 15% off with code RTTT.

Why does it make sense to Ethiopian runners to get up at 3am to run up and down a hill?  Who would choose to train on almost impossibly steep and rocky terrain, in hyena territory?  And how come Ethiopian men hold six of the top ten fastest marathon times ever? Michael Crawley spent fifteen months in Ethiopia training alongside (and sometimes a fair way behind) runners at all levels of the sport, from night watchmen hoping to change their lives to world class marathon runners, in order to answer these questions.  In this episode of the Run To the Top Podcast, we dig into the insights from his experiences and learn how they can apply to athletes at all stages of their running journey  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  Stress is a common factor that affects everyone in today's fast-paced world, leading to various health issues, including heart problems, inflammation, obesity, and mental illness. While most people focus on finding relief through meditation or trips to the spa, what if the root cause of stress is actually a deficiency in a key nutrient? Introducing Magnesium Breakthrough, the ultimate magnesium supplement that offers the full spectrum of all seven types of magnesium, specially formulated to reach every tissue in your body for maximum health benefits. This one-of-a-kind product is designed to reverse low levels of magnesium, which could be causing a multitude of health problems. But what sets Magnesium Breakthrough apart is its ability to impact the release of stress hormones, like cortisol, and block the activity of more stimulating neurotransmitters, leading to a more peaceful and resting state. This means that this supplement acts like a brake on your body's nervous system, helping to calm and soothe, promoting a better quality of life. If you’re interested to see just how much Magnesium can help, simply go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop and use the code Run10. And for a limited time if you buy 3 bottles you can get exciting Gifts with Purchases like Blue light-blocking glasses and more!  AG1 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!

One of the most difficult concepts to master as a runner is that you don’t need to be running faster, longer or harder every time out to improve.  In fact, sometimes running just below or slower than your potential in workouts leads to more consistent improvement. In this week’s episode, Coach Jeff is going to discuss the science about why this is so you can fully understand the concept and apply it to your running.  Download the Visual Guide  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.  Delta G Ketones have been one of the most well-researched chemicals when it comes to endurance performance. Their only downside is that it typically takes 2 days of fasting for your body to produce them in quantities that would help your performance But, thanks to deltaG and collaborations from the US Military and researchers from NIH and the University of Oxford, they’ve developed a ketone drink that can boost your ketone levels to those seen after 2 days of fasting in just 20 minutes.  The academic literature on the effectiveness of ketones for running performance is overwhelming. If you want to see more of the research, head to runnersconnect.net/deltag Plus, use the code RTT20 when you do and you can save 20% on any purchase you make.

Did you train “harder than ever” for your last race and still come up short? Are you a masters runner who feels like your times are going in the wrong direction and you need to “right the ship”? That’s what Russel was feeling after his last marathon, where he trained harder than ever, but still came up short.  In this episode of Training Plan Rescue, Coach Michael digs deep into Russell’s plan to give coaching guidance on some of the mistakes he may have made with his mileage, the intensity of his long runs, and his training paces. Make sure you listen to this one with a notebook in hand, because you’re going to want to take a lot of notes! 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: Lagoon 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. 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. 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.  LMNT  Did you know that you’re likely to sweat as much, if not more, in the winter than in the summer? That’s because we often wear such warm clothes to start our runs, which leads to more sweating towards the end. Plus, the sweat gets absorbed by our clothes, so it’s harder to notice. Now, you already know that when you sweat, you lose electrolytes, which are essential for your body's best performance. But you've also been told that too much salt is bad for you, so it can get confusing to know what to do. The truth is that athletes, healthy eaters, and heavy sweaters all need more sodium and just about everyone needs more potassium in their diet and we don't need a bunch of sugar and artificial junk along the way.  Element is the hydration solution designed with athletes and everyone who sweats in mind. Element comes in lots of salty flavors that even the saltiest sweaters will love, such as citrus, raspberry, and orange. It even comes unflavored for those who prefer the clean, salty taste. That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this winter. 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 claim this exclusive deal you must go to drinkLMNT.com/runnersconnect.

Periodization is one of the most important training concepts that helps runners break through plateaus.   Once you stop training race-to-race and focus on how all your seasons fit together, huge breakthroughs can happen.   In today’s show, Coach Ruairi and Coach Dylan are going to help define what periodization is and go over the two most popular approaches so you can learn how it can benefit you at any race distance.   If you’ve been stuck in a plateau with your training or racing, this will be an awesome 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: 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.  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.  Ned Chai Shuteye Chai is a latte for sleep that combines adaptogens, aminos, functional mushrooms, and magnesium wrapped in a heavenly masala chai-inspired spiced body. Specifically, ingredients such as chaga, reishi, and ashwagandha help calm your central nervous system, which we know is always elevated from training, family and work stress, and too much screen time. If you’re looking for a delicious way to feel more relaxed and calm before you go to bed and get more quality sleep, discover how Shuteye Chai can revolutionize your sleep and get 15% off with code RTTT. Go to helloned.com/RTTT or enter code RTTT at checkout.

Have you ever been curious about hearing from the families of Olympic-level endurance athletes? Perhaps, you’ve been curious about the roles they played, the support they provided, and the insights they have from being so close to the athletes?    Well in this conversation with Nancy and Elizabeth Jorgensen, you’re getting just that. Nancy and Elizabeth recently wrote a book time lining and reflecting on Professional Triathlete Gwen Jorgensen’s rise from intrinsically inspired kid athlete to gold medal winner at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.   In this episode we talk about the themes of: personal discovery risk-taking goal-setting team-building   You’ll enjoy and gain value for your own endurance sports journey regardless of whether you are at the level of Gwen, a weekend warrior, or someone just getting their start in road running or triathlons. 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. BiOptimizers 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. Athletic Greens If you’re someone who struggles to get in all the fruit and veggies you need, or who wants to get more consistent but always falls off, or you end up finding tons of fruits and veggies gone bad in the fridge, AG1 will make it simple and delicious.   One scoop of AG1 contains 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals and whole food-sourced ingredients, including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, greens superfood blend and more.   If you want to try them out and get a special bonus of 5 travel packs and a year’s supply of vitamin D, head to athleticgreens.com/rttt.

The marathon isn’t just a physical beast, it’s also a mental battle against yourself.    A lot of races can be lost in the last 10k simply because we aren’t mentally prepared.   On this week’s Coach Chat we cover the mental side of racing and go over 9 tips you can use to stay mentally engaged when the pain starts to set in.   After listening, you’ll be ready to master the last 10k mentally and a PR might just be on the horizon! 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 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.

For those who have ever thought they were too old or too unfit to compete in endurance sports, listen to this conversation with Hilary Topper. Growing up and even well into adulthood, Hilary did not consider herself an athlete. But in her late 40s, she decided to get into running.   Fast forward a decade and she’s completed numerous road races and triathlons, started virtual endurance teams and communities, maintained an inspirational blog on all these topics, and written a book going through all the details of her journey and offering advice to fellow runners and those just starting out in our sport looking for a similar roadmap.    In this episode you’ll learn: How we can make the running community more accessible and interesting to middle and back of the pack endurance athletes How to maintain a positive attitude and growth mindset in the face of adversity, especially when you’re starting a new venture or hobby like running How to make your running journey an especially rewarding one by fostering community and teamwork Recommendations to make your running practice sustainable for months, years, even decades 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 is not only important for your run, but your recovery and overall health as well. That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this winter. 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 claim this exclusive deal, go to drinkLMNT.com/runnersconnect.  BiOptimizers: 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   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. Athletic Greens: If you’re someone who struggles to get in all the fruit and veggies you need, or who wants to get more consistent but always falls off, or you end up finding tons of fruits and veggies gone bad in the fridge, AG1 will make it simple and delicious.   One scoop of AG1 contains 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals and whole food-sourced ingredients, including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, greens superfood blend and more.   If you want to try them out and get a special bonus of 5 travel packs and a year’s supply of vitamin D, head to athleticgreens.com/rttt.

On today’s coach chat podcast episode, we’re going to hear from RunnersConnect head coach Michael Hammond about the common struggles our athletes are facing right now and how we’re helping them overcome them. We’ve always felt the group atmosphere is part of what sets us apart from most training plans - even other customized ones. As an athlete, sometimes it’s just nice to know that others are struggling with the same issues as you are or are having the same fears and apprehensions at the same time during a training cycle. When a workout or long run feels harder than you think it should have, it’s nice to confirm with other runners that you’re not alone and it’s part of the process or how you should feel. So, today Coach Michael is going to give you an inside look at some of the winter running struggles many of our athletes are facing and how you can overcome them too! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on InstagramJoin the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community RunnersConnect Facebook pageGET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Ned Chai Shuteye Chai is a latte for sleep that combines adaptogens, aminos, functional mushrooms, and magnesium wrapped in a heavenly masala chai-inspired spiced body. Specifically, ingredients such as chaga, reishi, and ashwagandha help calm your central nervous system, which we know is always elevated from training, family and work stress, and too much screen time. If you’re looking for a delicious way to feel more relaxed and calm before you go to bed and get more quality sleep, discover how Shuteye Chai can revolutionize your sleep and get 15% off with code RTTT. Go to helloned.com/RTTT or enter code RTTT at checkout. Delta G Ketones have been one of the most well-researched chemicals when it comes to endurance performance. Their only downside is that it typically takes 2 days of fasting for your body to produce them in quantities that would help your performance But, thanks to deltaG and collaborations from the US Military and researchers from NIH and the University of Oxford, they’ve developed a ketone drink that can boost your ketone levels to those seen after 2 days of fasting in just 20 minutes.  The academic literature on the effectiveness of ketones for running performance is overwhelming. If you want to see more of the research, head to runnersconnect.net/deltag Plus, use the code RTT20 when you do and you can save 20% on any purchase you make.

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 confidenceHow to deal with bad things happening on race dayLearning to push through painMental 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 InstagramJoin the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community RunnersConnect Facebook pageGET 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 importantThe different ways you can add-in progressive overload to your trainingWalk 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 InstagramJoin the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community RunnersConnect Facebook pageGET 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 fitnesslifestyle evaluation and actionable strategies you can take to master your nutrition and truly  meet your running goalshow the process of metabolic profiling can help you reach your transformation goals as a runnerwhen 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 InstagramJoin the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community RunnersConnect Facebook pageGET 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 InstagramJoin the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community RunnersConnect Facebook pageGET 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 hiatusIf and when you should emulate what the pro runners doWe’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 InstagramJoin the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community RunnersConnect Facebook pageGET 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.