The Running Explained Podcast

Why can't I just THINK my way out of performance anxiety?? I should be mentally tougher!!Have you ever had this internal struggle? In this episode, former Division I athlete and licensed mental health therapist Emily Perrin flips the script on "mental toughness" and dives deep into the richer, more holistic concept of resilience. Emily helps us understand how resilience—rooted in childhood development, support, and self-compassion—offers a more complete set of tools for athletes navigating the mental and emotional ups and downs of training and racing. We explore how grounding techniques, body-based feedback, and self-compassion can turn pre-race jitters into a powerful tool for growth. With a focus on flexibility, self-awareness, and mindfulness, this conversation is packed with practical tips for building resilience and embracing the discomfort that comes with being an athlete. Coaches, take note—this one's all about empowering your athletes with a strengths-based approach! GUEST BIO: Emily Perrin, LMSW, is the CEO and Founder of Perrin Wellness and Performance, where she combines her expertise as a Licensed Master of Social Work, certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, and former Division I athlete to offer holistic mental health and performance coaching. Growing up in a sports-centric family with a Division I college basketball coach father and a background in competitive swimming and soccer, Emily’s journey has been deeply intertwined with athletics and coaching. However, her passion for mental health advocacy stems from her personal struggles with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which led her to discover mindfulness and integrative health practices. With a Master's in Clinical Social Work from the University of Denver and advanced training in trauma-informed care, Emily is dedicated to transforming sports culture to be more mental health-aware and proactive in promoting overall well-being. She offers education, speaking engagements, workshops, and coaching to support athletes, coaches, and sport organizations in achieving fulfillment, joy, and success beyond just winning.

In this episode of the Running Explained podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Matt Chittim, coach and host of The Rambling Runner Podcast, about the incredible potential that runners have, no matter when they start. Matt and I dive into how age doesn't have to limit your running goals and why consistent training—what we call "training age"—is so crucial to reaching your full potential. We also get real about the fact that progress in running isn't always linear; there will be plateaus and challenges along the way. But as Matt reminds us, believing in your abilities and giving yourself the chance to see what you're truly capable of is key to unlocking that potential. If you've ever wondered how much faster you might be able to get as an adult runner (especially if you STARTED running as an adult), this episode is for you! Matt Chittim is a coach, host of The Rambling Runner Podcast, father, husband, and proud masters' runner, helping promote and enhance the world-wide running community through podcasting, video, writing, and coaching! https://theramblingrunner.com

This week we are diving into HYBRID TRAINING for endurance runners with exercise physiologist and hybrid athlete Dr. Alyssa Olenick (@doclyssfitness)! Hybrid training isn't just about picking between strength or endurance – it's about embracing BOTH for both health and performance goals. Dr. Olenick breaks down the interference effect, explains the shifting application of training intensity, and goes through hybrid training in the off-season all the way through your pre-race taper PLUS many more insights and educational tidbits along the way! Dr. Alyssa Olenick is an Exercise Physiologist, sports nutritionist, weight lifter, and ultra runner. She is known for her high energy and sassy approach to bringing science to your training in a no-nonsense way. Alyssa has helped thousands of women crush big lifting goals, cross race finish lines, or even do both. www.doclyssfitness.com

LET'S TALK ABOUT "ZONE 2"!! Dr. Lisa Mitro rejoins the show to share her Zone 2 running journey, and we talk all about the importance of this intensity zone for runners, what it is, how to find it, and so much more!! What IS "Zone 2"? What are we ACTUALLY trying to achieve here? How easy running can help prevent injury Embracing slowing down (& how to convince runners it's OK to slow down!) Common running form issues on easy runs Using heart rate to define your easy zone OTHER ways to find your easy zone! How your race paces can get faster even if your easy paces don't change ...and so much more! HOST BIO: Coach Elisabeth is the Founder and Head Coach at Running Explained, 6x marathoner, multi-certified coach, Boston Qualifier, and enthusiastic believer in your ability to turn the impossible into the possible. Whether you're a brand new runner or have been pounding the pavement for decades, she believes there is always more to learn about running and always more that running can teach us about life. C⁠rush your goals with a Running Explained training plan, masterclass, group coaching, or 1:1 coaching⁠, or learn from her meticulously researched ⁠Instagram posts on a wide variety of running-related topics⁠! GUEST BIO: Dr. Lisa is a Physical Therapist who helps runners prevent and treat injuries using practical tips, science-based research, and simple running-specific movements. She is also a run coach and certified running gait analyst. Through her treatment methods, she has helped thousands of runners return to pain free running and train smarter!

This one is for my sober and sober-curious runners out there!! Luc Zoratto's journey into running and sobriety is a tale of community, empowerment, and self-discovery. After being in the "sober closet" for 5 years, he decided to share his sobriety journey publicly on LinkedIn after hitting a major milestone: qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Today, we're talking about quitting drinking, the personal nature of sobriety, and of course, the messy, hard work that comes with pushing yourself athletically AND personally! Luc Zoratto (@marathon2sobriety) is a Sober Dad, Husband, Marathoner & Alcohol-Free Life Coach. He helps empower high-performing professionals and entrepreneurs to overcome the limitations that alcohol and drugs have on their lives. His mission is to promote a growth mindset that challenges the belief that hard work and alcohol go hand in hand, and inspire others to embrace a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle to help people realize their full potential. https://www.marathon2sobriety.ca/

Get ready to level up how your body MOVES! In this episode, biomechanical expert Jay Dicharry dives deep into the art and science of running with the second edition of his book, Running Rewired (seriously, go buy it), breaking down why movement quality is the secret sauce to staying injury-free and improving your form. Jay explains why mobility, stability, strength, and power aren't just buzzwords—they're the building blocks of skilled movement. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of tuning into your body's neural feedback and how focusing on one aspect of form at a time can make all the difference. Whether you're an office-bound runner or just looking to polish your stride, this conversation is packed with practical tips and insights to help you move better, run better, and feel better. Tune in and learn how to build a strong foundation for your running journey! GUEST BIO: Originally from New Orleans LA, Jay completed the Masters of Physical Therapy degree at Louisiana State University Medical Center and is a Board- Certified Sports Clinical Specialist. Jay built his international reputation as an expert in biomechanical analysis as Director of the SPEED Clinic at the University of Virginia. Through this innovative venture, Jay was able to blend the fields of clinical practice and engineering to better understand and eliminate the cause of overuse injuries in endurance athletes. His unique approach goes outside the traditional model of therapy and aims to correct imbalances before they affect your performance. Jay literally wrote the book on running gait assessments: he is author of "Running Rewired" and "Anatomy for Runners", writes columns for numerous magazines, and has published over thirty professional journal articles and book chapters. Jay has had an active research career, teaches nationally, and consults for numerous footwear companies, the US Air Force, USA Track and Field, and USA Triathlon. His ongoing research focus on footwear and the causative factors driving overuse injury continues to provide him cutting edge knowledge to educate and provide patients with an unmatched level of innovation and success. Having taught in the Sports Medicine program at UVA, he brings a strong bias towards patient education, and continues to teach nationally to elevate the standard of care for Therapists, Physicians, and Coaches working with endurance athletes.

Does it sometimes feel like there is an actual barrier preventing you from achieving a goal? In this episode, Coach Elisabeth sits down with sports psychologist/mental performance coach (and, of course, endurance athlete enthusiast) Ashley Eckermann, to explore how our thoughts control our outcomes and WHY we run into these mental blocks! From cultivating belief in oneself, to visualization exercises, to self-talk, Ashley provides strategies for handling common mental blocks like struggling with pace goals or mid-race doubts that runners often face. and offers practical strategies for overcoming them and continuing to ENJOY your favorite hobby (running!) GUEST BIO: Ashley Eckermann is the owner and founder of Maximize the Mind and she goes by a number of titles: sport psychology consultant, performance coach, mental skills coach, mental performance coach, performance psychology expert, sports injury specialist, but ultimately, she teaches athletes to be more competitive by learning strategies to manage their emotions more effectively!

DUN-DUN-DA-DUN the Olympics are here! Coach Nick Klastava lends his analysis to this episode looking the major battle in the men's 1500m, the superstars in the women's 1500m, Sifan Hassan's decision to TRIPLE with the 5000m, 10000m, & marathon, and the battle of the Marathon GOATs: Kipchoge vs. Bekele. Who will come out on top??

VROOM VROOM, BABY! Caffeine is THE most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world, and it's one of the most commonly available ergogenic aids (i.e. substances that can improve athletic performance). In this episode we talk about the research behind caffeine and its effect on endurance performance, "fast" and "slow" metabolizers, dosing, timing, the placebo effect, caffeine's effect on heart rate, and more! Coach Elisabeth is the Founder and Head Coach at Running Explained, 6x marathoner, multi-certified coach, Boston Qualifier, and enthusiastic believer in your ability to turn the impossible into the possible. Whether you're a brand new runner or have been pounding the pavement for decades, she believes there is always more to learn about running and always more that running can teach us about life. C⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rush your goals with a Running Explained training plan, masterclass, group coaching, or 1:1 coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or learn from her meticulously researched ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram posts on a wide variety of running-related topics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! References: Bangsbo, J., Jacobsen, K., Nordberg, N., Christensen, N. J., & Graham, T. (1992). Acute and habitual caffeine ingestion and metabolic responses to steady-state exercise. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 72(4), 1297–1303. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1992.72.4.1297 Barreto, G., Grecco, B., Merola, P., Reis, C. E. G., Gualano, B., & Saunders, B. (2021). Novel insights on caffeine supplementation, CYP1A2 genotype, physiological responses and exercise performance. European journal of applied physiology, 121(3), 749–769. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04571-7 Beedie, C. J., Stuart, E. M., Coleman, D. A., & Foad, A. J. (2006). Placebo effects of caffeine on cycling performance. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 38(12), 2159–2164. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000233805.56315.a9 Collado-Mateo D, Lavín-Pérez AM, Merellano-Navarro E, Coso JD. Effect of Acute Caffeine Intake on the Fat Oxidation Rate during Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2020 Nov 24;12(12):3603. doi: 10.3390/nu12123603. PMID: 33255240; PMCID: PMC7760526. Glaister, M., Williams, B. H., Muniz-Pumares, D., Balsalobre-Fernández, C., & Foley, P. (2016). The Effects of Caffeine Supplementation on Physiological Responses to Submaximal Exercise in Endurance-Trained Men. PloS one, 11(8), e0161375. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0161375 Guest, N. S., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Nelson, M. T., Grgic, J., Schoenfeld, B. J., Jenkins, N. D. M., Arent, S. M., Antonio, J., Stout, J. R., Trexler, E. T., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Goldstein, E. R., Kalman, D. S., & Campbell, B. I. (2021). International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-020-00383-4 McClaran SR, Wetter TJ. Low doses of caffeine reduce heart rate during submaximal cycle ergometry. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007 Oct 9;4:11. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-4-11. PMID: 17925021; PMCID: PMC2164943.

"Why am I GAINING weight in marathon training?? I'm running so much!" This week Holley Samuel, RD, returns to the pod for a conversation about weight loss, weight gain, 'weight anxiety', performance, health, and so much more! KEY HIGHLIGHTS Reasons for Weight Gain During Marathon Training Shifting the Focus from Appearance to Performance and Health Embracing Body Changes Throughout Different Stages of Life Challenging the Moralistic View of Weight Inclusivity and Health in Larger Bodies Breaking Stereotypes in the Running Community appearance vs. Performance in Elite Athletes Seeking Multiple Opinions and Focusing on Overall Health GUEST BIO Holley Samuel is a dietitian, personal trainer, master of education & eating disorders, and podcaster at her virtual practice Holley Fueled Nutrition. Holley works with runners and helps them learn to fuel their bodies without restriction, make peace with food, and prevent injuries to become stronger and faster runners for life. https://holleyfuelednutrition.com HOST BIO Coach Elisabeth is the Founder and Head Coach at Running Explained, 6x marathoner, multi-certified coach, Boston Qualifier, and enthusiastic believer in your ability to turn the impossible into the possible. Whether you're a brand new runner or have been pounding the pavement for decades, she believes there is always more to learn about running and always more that running can teach us about life. C⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rush your goals with a Running Explained training plan, masterclass, group coaching, or 1:1 coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or learn from her meticulously researched ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram posts on a wide variety of running-related topics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HOW TO RUN BETTER IN THE HEAT: everything you need to know about heat acclimation/acclimatization, heat adaptation benefits, how long those benefits last, passive vs active heat training methods, cooling strategies, and hyperhydration! KEY TOPICS Differentiating Heat Acclimation and Heat Acclimatization Methods of Heat Training for Runners Benefits of Heat Acclimation for Runners Physiological Changes in Heat Acclimation Cooling Strategies for Hot Weather Performance Hyperhydration Strategies for Improved Performance in the Heat Considerations for Individual Hydration Needs in Extreme Conditions Coach Elisabeth is the Founder and Head Coach at Running Explained, 6x marathoner, multi-certified coach, Boston Qualifier, and enthusiastic believer in your ability to turn the impossible into the possible. Whether you're a brand new runner or have been pounding the pavement for decades, she believes there is always more to learn about running and always more that running can teach us about life. C⁠⁠⁠⁠rush your goals with a Running Explained training plan, masterclass, group coaching, or 1:1 coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠, or learn from her meticulously researched ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram posts on a wide variety of running-related topics⁠⁠⁠⁠!

IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S JUST THE HEAT. But WHY do we slow down (sometimes a lot) in hot weather? Coach Elisabeth takes you through the science of hot weather endurance exercise and what's actually happening inside your body when you're going on that hot weather run Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 02:26 - Running in the Heat: Performance Impact 05:26 Thermoregulation: Maintaining Core Temperature 08:20 - Hydration: Importance and Individual Needs 14:03 - Exertional Heat Stroke: Risks and Prevention 44:59 - The Importance of Staying Hydrated in Hot Weather 47:48 How Heat Affects VO2 Max and Performance 59:24 Dehydration: A Performance Killer in the Heat 01:08:04 Drink to Thirst or Follow a Hydration Schedule? 01:10:56 Managing Hydration for Optimal Performance in the Heat HOST BIO: Coach Elisabeth is the Founder and Head Coach at Running Explained, 6x marathoner, multi-certified coach, Boston Qualifier, and enthusiastic believer in your ability to turn the impossible into the possible. Whether you're a brand new runner or have been pounding the pavement for decades, she believes there is always more to learn about running and always more that running can teach us about life. C⁠⁠⁠rush your goals with a Running Explained training plan, masterclass, group coaching, or 1:1 coaching⁠⁠⁠, or learn from her meticulously researched ⁠⁠⁠Instagram posts on a wide variety of running-related topics⁠⁠⁠!

Is MOBILITY the secret sauce to your running?? In this episode, Dr. Matt Silver, DPT (@alphaprojectphyzio) dive into the science of mobility and tissue quality! We talk about how hip extension, ankle dorsiflexion, and thoracic mobility are KEY for not only performance but long-term running success, talk about tightness - when you need to stretch vs strengthen - AND learn the surprising importance of big toe mobility for that perfect push-off! Plus, Dr. Matt teaches how to use those lacrosse balls and foam rollers properly! GUEST BIO: Dr. Matt Silver is a sports physical therapist, running coach, and running form analyst. He founded Alpha Project Phyzio & Performance, where he shares his innovative approach to helping distance runners, marathoners, ultra runners, CrossFitters, athletes, and coaches run better, with less pain, and reach their running goals. He works alongside his wife, Veronica, who is a pelvic floor physical therapist. Buy: Built to Run Follow on Instagram Visit Alpha Project Phyzio HOST BIO: Coach Elisabeth is the Founder and Head Coach at Running Explained, 6x marathoner, multi-certified coach, Boston Qualifier, and enthusiastic believer in your ability to turn the impossible into the possible. Whether you're a brand new runner or have been pounding the pavement for decades, she believes there is always more to learn about running and always more that running can teach us about life. C⁠⁠rush your goals with a Running Explained training plan, masterclass, group coaching, or 1:1 coaching⁠⁠, or learn from her meticulously researched ⁠⁠Instagram posts on a wide variety of running-related topics⁠⁠!

DATA DATA EVERYWHERE! VO2max, heart rate, training status, body battery, sleep score, intensity zones, HRV, heat acclimation status, training readiness, cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation... HOW DO YOU SORT THROUGH IT ALL? Sports scientist Jonah Rosner, MS, CSCS, is here to help YOU understand 1) what's important and what's just noise, 2) how to accurately gather data, and 3) how to implement it in your training! We explore how to effectively use key data points such as distance, pace, heart rate, and subjective feel to guide your training, and discuss the importance of balancing objective data with personal intuition (just like the pros!) WANT MORE FROM RUNNING EXPLAINED? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode! Follow @runningexplained on Instagram for thousands of free posts on the science of running Join The Run Club app for all the Running Explained training programs and resources, & upgrade to The Run Club PLUS for small-group coaching! GUEST BIO: Jonah is an applied sport scientist, strength and running coach/consultant living in Brooklyn, NY. Jonah spent the past 7 years working with athletes and teams from all major American Professional Team sports. Most recently, Jonah was the applied sports science coordinator for the Houston Texans in the NFL. At 25 he was one of the youngest sport scientist in NFL history. Jonah specializes in using the latest sports science technology and testing to individualize running and strength programs. He currently collaborates with Nike to run the Nike Running Performance Lab NYC. Jonah can be found on Instagram at @rosnerperformance where he shares practical tips on how to optimize marathon performance based on the latest research. His website is www.rosnerperformance.com HOST BIO: Coach Elisabeth is the Founder and Head Coach at Running Explained, 6x marathoner, multi-certified coach, Boston Qualifier, and enthusiastic believer in your ability to turn the impossible into the possible. Whether you're a brand new runner or have been pounding the pavement for decades, she believes there is always more to learn about running and always more that running can teach us about life. C⁠rush your goals with a Running Explained training plan, masterclass, group coaching, or 1:1 coaching⁠, or learn from her meticulously researched ⁠Instagram posts on a wide variety of running-related topics⁠!

"This is not an episode of The Running Explained Podcast" ;-) UPCOMING EPISODES INCLUDE: The Updated Running in the Heat Episode Binge Eating in Distance Runners Paris Olympics Preview Data-Driven Training for the Everyday Runner Why Do I Keep Getting Injured? Hydration & Dehydration

ONE-TAKE Q&A RETURNS!! Answering extra questions from a recent Instagram story Q&A, Coach Elisabeth takes on YOUR questions about running, training, racing, and more! Learn about... Tapering for a week-long running event Can you do TOO MUCH base-building?? Keeping HR low while trying to increase cadence Adding an extra day of cross-training late in marathon training Handling race week nerves Running in gusty winds Trying to race a 5k the week after a marathon - yay or nay? Age-graded running performance vs. equivalency calculators AND MORE! Coach Elisabeth is the Founder and Head Coach at Running Explained, 6x marathoner, multi-certified coach, Boston Qualifier, and enthusiastic believer in your ability to turn the impossible into the possible. Whether you're a brand new runner or have been pounding the pavement for decades, she believes there is always more to learn about running and always more that running can teach us about life. Crush your goals with a Running Explained training plan, masterclass, group coaching, or 1:1 coaching, or learn from her meticulously researched Instagram posts on a wide variety of running-related topics!

We are often praised for the relentless pursuit of a goal, but what about when it's actually better for you to STOP chasing that goal? Coach and runner Claire Bartholic (@theplantedrunner) shares her own journey of what it cost her to finally achieve her coveted sub-3 marathon goal... and why she decided to step away from marathons altogether after crossing that finish line. KEY TAKEAWAYS! Chasing big running goals requires dedication, yes, but it's essential to assess whether the goal is realistic and sustainable in the long term Finding balance and enjoyment in running is crucial for long-term fulfillment. Retiring from a specific goal does not diminish a coach's ability to guide and support athletes. It's okay to pivot and pursue different goals that align with personal values and bring joy. Validation from achieving a goal should not be the sole motivation for running; intrinsic satisfaction and personal growth are equally important. -- GUEST BIO Coach Claire has helped hundreds of real runners chase their dreams and conquer what they never thought possible. Her coaching philosophy combines science-based training, plant-based running nutrition, and proven mindset techniques to unlock every runner's true potential. She's a certified running coach, sports nutrition specialist, mom, and borderline obsessive plant lover. As an athlete herself, she went from a 4:02 first marathon all the way to a 2:58 finishing time at the age of 42, entirely plant-based. She coaches vegan, plant-based, and plant-curious runners to achieve the same dramatic success, from those on a walk-run program, general fitness, up to high-level athletes.  She hosts one of the most popular running podcast in the world, The Planted Runner, and her first book is The Planted Runner:  Running Your Best With Plant-Based Nutrition.

Now that "warmer than normal" is the NEW "normal"... what do we need to know for our training and racing?? Hosts of the podcast Between Two Coaches, Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava are here to talk all about it! So your race was canceled because it's too hot... Prepping for hot weather races Avoiding self-blame & unrealistic expectations when the temps rise Heat acclimation tips Learning to run on effort and focus on execution ...and more!! Between Two Coaches is a weekly podcast that helps you enjoy the fitness world with a more human approach. In each episode, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava will bring problems faced in the fitness community to the surface and share solutions for creating a more sustainable, balanced mindset around your training goals. Consider this podcast your “go-to” on all things fitness, from a loving, supportive, no-BS lens!

LET'S GET SOME ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS! In this UNEDITED, one-take episode, Coach Elisabeth goes through the leftover questions from a recent Instagram Story Q&A! Pre-written training plans & the Banana Republic pants analogy Workouts in off-seasons Post-half marathon recovery and the "reverse taper" Why are my easy runs getting slower in marathon training? Am I failing my easy run if its 75% easy/25% moderate? Upset tummy post-run Hilly race training Long run workouts "Slow release" gels Keto for endurance runners? "hey Coach Elisabeth" Fueling during injury rehab Improving marathon performance ...PLUS ALL THE TANGENTS, SIDEBARS, AND RANDOM OPINIONS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN'T ASK FOR! Train with Running Explained! The Run Club app Downloadable training plans Masterclasses Coaching consults

DOUBLE THRESHOLD TRAINING is one of the recent "trends" in high-level endurance training, but is this something that YOU should be doing in your own training? Exercise physiologist Dr. Phil Batterson rejoins the show today to talk about this training framework and how it's ACTUALLY implemented (plus takeaways and guidance for the everyday runner and what they can do in their training to maximize their threshold workouts and overall training load!)