Performance Running Gym Podcast

Caleb Birklid is a national level triathlete, cyclist and runner turned Coach who joined the PRG team this past summer. Caleb has brought a new perspective to our training and coaching at PRG with his background is coaching triathlon and swimming, and his emphasis on both heavy and functional strength training as a key component to his approach to working with athletes. On this episode we talk to Caleb about his athletic background and career in Triathlon, his hybrid approach to training, and lastly we’ll talk about his approach to coaching endurance athletes - including some great takeaways that you can carry with you into your next training cycle no matter what your endurance discipline.

Colleen MacDonald is a Arvada, Colorado based ultrarunner with roots in Minnesota who recently captured the imagination of adventurers everywhere by setting the Fastest Known Time on the legendary Northern Route on the iconic Mt. Kilimanjaro - the highest peak on the African continent. Colleen has made it her mission to empower women and girls to pursue their own outdoor adventures by raising money and awareness for The Carin Project - a group that promotes outdoor learning and leadership for girls all over the US. 

Dr. Kailee Carlson is a licensed Acupuncturist and a RN with a doctorate in Chinese Medicine with a Sports Emphasis. She has her practice onsite at Performance Running Gym and has helped many in our community in reaching their sports performance goals. Kailee is also an accomplished and versatile ultra endurance athlete, competing in races ranging from half marathon up to 200 miles. Kailee recently completed the famous Javalina 100 mile ultramarathon in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, finishing the grueling 100 mile course in well under 24 hours - an incredible accomplishment. In this episode we focus on how Kailee trained for the demands of 100 miles both physically and mentally, what the race experience was like, and learn about the post-race experience after completing this huge goal. We also take some time to talk with Kailee about how her practice is supporting other athletes like her, and what it can do for athletes looking to improve their performance, recovery, or looking to just live life to the fullest. Read Kailee's Full Javelina blog: https://www.drkaileeacu.com/post/javelina-jundred-race-recapBook With Kailee or Learn More About her Services: https://www.drkaileeacu.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkaileeacu/

Jess Simmons is a Minneapolis-based Health Coach and Personal Trainer who helps clients build strength, resilience, and lasting health habits through a unique blend of fitness programming, nervous system regulation, and behavior change coaching. She specializes in helping high-achievers feel strong, energized, and in control of their health—without burnout, perfectionism, or restriction. On this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the topics of chronic stress, recovery, metabolic health, and their relationship to health and body composition. Jess’ unique insights on managing wellness, athletic recovery, and weight management from a truly holistic perspective make this an episode a must listen for a wide variety of athletes.

On this episode we welcome Kari Gibbons, the champion and fourth woman ever to complete the Iditerod Trail Invitational 1000 mile footrace! Kari is one of our Team PRG sponsored athletes and is an absolute legend in Minnesota Ultra Distance athletics. Kari has been in the ultra endurance game since 2014, and is known as the local queen of winter ultras. In this episode, we take a deep dive with Kari into her race at the Iditerod 1000, including how she trained, how the event itself played out, and lessons that you can take from Kari and apply to your own training and racing.