Performance Running Gym Podcast

On this episode we dive into the topic of HR zone training w/ elite runner and exercise physiologist, Aaron Easker. Aaron has an M.S. in Kinesiology, is a former all-american in the 10k, and currently works as an Exercise Physiologist at Human Powered Health in Edina, MN. In this episode we dive into what HR zones are, how zone training can improve training and racing performance, how you can determine your HR zones and more.

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/

We’re kicking off season 4 of the Performance Running Gym podcast with a topic that’s been requested by many in our community - Managing Hydration and Electrolytes for Running Performance. To address such an impactful topic, we brought in the best local resource, Zach Zenner, the Owner of the Twin Cities’ Precision Fuel and Hydration Sweat Testing Center. Zach is a former NFL running back, nutritionist, and hydration expert who has worked with athletes of all levels. In this episode we learn about how to master hydration and electrolytes to help you reach your best performances as an endurance athlete. We dive into the importance of hydration and electrolytes, how they interact, how you can learn about your body’s needs, products that can help you stay properly hydrated for training and racing. We also talk about specific hydration strategies to help you improve your performance and reach new limits in your performance.