The Strength Running Podcast

When you get a new smart watch, heart rate monitor, or other type of wearable, do you know how it will help your running, specifically? Dr. Peter Tierney is a health and performance researcher, consultant, and coach who’s worked with many professional sports organizations across Europe. He joins us today to discuss the science behind wearable tech. We discuss:  The wearable stack that Peter recommends Most important metrics to focus on Recommended hardware (specific products) What you can safely ignore Why the actual metric may not be as important as the trend over time Peter first joined the podcast in 2024 to discuss the 5 Big Recovery Strategies (listen here).  Resources:  The Lost Art of Running by Feel (article) The Best & Worst HR Workouts (video) The world's smartest running shoe (Kickstarter) Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I’m now taking. Turning 40 – and having a thin frame – has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it’s designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. They’re now offering international shipping so if you live in the UK, Canada, Australia, or anywhere around the world, you can try Previnex as well. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don’t feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex! Thank you Avelo! Avelo is the world’s smartest running shoe created by a team of ex-Nike engineers. I’m so excited by Avelo that I’ve been advising them for nearly two years. And the market has spoken - they raised over $100,000 on Kickstarter on their very first day because they’re doing something unique. Embedded in their bouncy, lightweight Supertrainer is a sensor that measures impact and your running form, showing you how much force your body is experiencing and when during your run your form starts deteriorating. This gives you incredible insights into your unique form, how it changes, and when it breaks down so you better understand your injury risk and when you get fatigued. The shoes never need to be charged and you can reuse the sensor in each pair of Avelo’s. Their app gives you real-time coaching that I had a lot of input on, based on your unique data. They’re still available on Kickstarter at 34% off for a very limited time, so get yours today!  

Runners are heat training more often with saunas, hot tubs, and hot weather runs. How much do we need to realize the full benefits of heat training? What are the best options and how do we structure it into our training? In this episode, coach Jason Fitzgerald shares how to think about heat training from duration to frequency to type of heat training. Resources:  Heat Exposure video Running in the heat article Training programs Thanks Boulderthon! Boulderthon is a top 10 race in America according to USA Today and one of the best fall marathons according to Runner’s World. With a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon, Boulderthon offers an amazing fall destination race weekend right at the foothills of the Rockies. Use code STRENGTH20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon. Join me in Boulder, one of the top running destinations in the country, on September 28th, to experience the tight knit running community here, race on the epic streets of Boulder, and finish on historic Pearl Street in this BQ-eligible, USATF sanctioned event. Boulderthon is giving away $40,000 in travel credit, thanks to their partner, Frontier Airlines, so run clubs from coast to coast can fly FREE to Boulderthon - the first-of-its-kind program. Apply at Boulderthon.org/flyfree Boulderthon is on track to sell out again this year so don’t miss out. Use code STRENGTH20 to save $20 on the marathon or half-marathon here and I hope to see you in Boulder this fall. Thank you Gut & Green! Previnex’s new Gut & Green Superfoods powder is my new go-to. It has organic barley and oat grass, alfalfa, spirulina, chlorella, kale and broccoli… and that’s it. Their ingredients are backed by clinical data and contain three specific gut fibers that help promote GI health, digestion, reduced inflammation, and a better microbiome. With twice of the fiber of my last greens mix and a better flavor, it’s a no brainer for me. Try it for yourself here at previnex.com and be sure to use code “JASONGREENS” to save 15% off your first order. Don’t tell anyone, but if you put Gut & Green Superfoods powder in your cart, then the 15% off discount will work for anything else you add into your cart as well. Thanks Gut & Green!

Dr. Philip Skiba is a physician, performance consultant for the Breaking 2 project, coach to dozens of world class athletes, and author of Scientific Training for Endurance Athletes. Phil is a world-class expert on running physiology and how to race faster. His groundbreaking research into Critical Power, Critical Speed, and the "W Prime" model of fatigue help the best runners in the world plan their training. And the best coaches seek him out for guidance. In this conversation, we discuss:  How to determine and improve your "critical speed"  His work with Avelo (get your pair of smart running shoes!) The under-discussed "battery" of speed that helsp you kick fast at the end of a race Phil's contribution to Breaking 2 and Eliud Kipchoge's sub-2 marathon attempt Please follow Phil on X and be sure to thank him for this conversation! Thank you 2XU! If you haven’t tried 2XU technical compression gear, you’re missing out. 2XU has been the world leader in performance compression for 20 years, helping runners feel better and recover faster with compression gear that’s backed by scientific evidence. Their graduated compression gear is engineered to improve blood flow and performance while speeding recovery. My personal favorites include the Light Speed React half-tights (with tons of pockets for your phone and fuel!) as well as their Ignition Shield tights (for colder weather). But the recovery tights for use after running are more highly graduated and make me feel better after tough runs. 10/10 would recommend! Knowing that their gear is engineered for runners by runners and backed by research makes me absolutely love 2XU. Go to 2xu.com and use code “JASON” in all caps to get 20% off sitewide, except clearance items or wetsuits. Thank you to 2Before! We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles. Just like beetroot but more effective, blackcurrant berries are vasodilators, helping you get more blood flow to where it's needed. Boost your performance and immune system with 2before: use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com. Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running!  

Keira D'Amato holds the American record in the 10-mile and is the former half-marathon and marathon American record holder. Her new book, Don't Call it a Comeback, is now available for preorder.  She was a 4x All-American at American University in both Cross Country and Track but took about a decade off from running seriously in her 20's and 30's. Keira joined us on the podcast in 2018 to discuss her comeback to running. Now, she's back to discuss what that comeback looked like and how she made it happen.  Keira and Jason discuss:  Her mental relationship with running How it felt not being able to jog to the end of her street Why she craves both fun and variety in her training (and how she adds them) How she made the decision to commit 100% to running Why she considers herself a "bulldozer" Thank you Keira for joining us and talking about your journey back to running. The community is better with you in it! Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I’m now taking. Turning 40 – and having a thin frame – has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it’s designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. They’re now offering international shipping so if you live in the UK, Canada, Australia, or anywhere around the world, you can try Previnex as well. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don’t feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex! Thank you 2XU! If you haven’t tried 2XU technical compression gear, you’re missing out. 2XU has been the world leader in performance compression for 20 years, helping runners feel better and recover faster with compression gear that’s backed by scientific evidence. Their graduated compression gear is engineered to improve blood flow and performance while speeding recovery. My personal favorites include the Light Speed React half-tights (with tons of pockets for your phone and fuel!) as well as their Ignition Shield tights (for colder weather). But the recovery tights for use after running are more highly graduated and make me feel better after tough runs. 10/10 would recommend! Knowing that their gear is engineered for runners by runners and backed by research makes me absolutely love 2XU. Go to 2xu.com and use code “JASON” in all caps to get 20% off sitewide, except clearance items or wetsuits.

Colleen Quigley is a 2016 Olympian, steeplechaser, and former model. She accepted a full scholarship to Florida State University, where she became a nine-time NCAA All-American and a 2015 NCAA Champion in the 3000-meter steeplechase. Colleen went on to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, finishing 8th in the 3000-meter steeplechase. She is also a current world record-holder in the 4x1500-meter relay, set in 2020. In this episode, we discuss Colleen's: Recent training and the types of workouts she's doing Current battles with injuries Brief stint as a triathlete New athlete-owned pro track team Meridia To support this new team and its athletes, register for their upcoming Meridia Mile and test yourself over a single mile this summer! Don't miss my previous conversation with Colleen.  Thank you to 2Before! We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles. Just like beetroot but more effective, blackcurrant berries are vasodilators, helping you get more blood flow to where it's needed. Boost your performance and immune system with 2before: use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com. Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running! Thank you LMNT! A big thanks to LMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at LMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best. LMNT’s products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out LMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.

Podcaster and coach Lindsey Hein recently hosted Jason on her podcast, I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein. The conversation was wide-ranging and touched on a variety of topics so it had to be shared again! Lindsey asks Jason about:  His favorite 5k race strategy of "Letting Jesus Take the Wheel" How Jason got started in podcasting / Strength Running Jason's background & 2:39 marathon PR (race report) Favorite interviews A lot more You can also read more about Jason & Strength Running here. Thanks Boulderthon! Boulderthon is a top 10 race in America according to USA Today and one of the best fall marathons according to Runner’s World. With a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon, Boulderthon offers an amazing fall destination race weekend right at the foothills of the Rockies. Use code STRENGTH20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon. Join me in Boulder, one of the top running destinations in the country, on September 28th, to experience the tight knit running community here, race on the epic streets of Boulder, and finish on historic Pearl Street in this BQ-eligible, USATF sanctioned event. Boulderthon is giving away $40,000 in travel credit, thanks to their partner, Frontier Airlines, so run clubs from coast to coast can fly FREE to Boulderthon - the first-of-its-kind program. Apply at Boulderthon.org/flyfree Boulderthon is on track to sell out again this year so don’t miss out. Use code STRENGTH20 to save $20 on the marathon or half-marathon here and I hope to see you in Boulder this fall. Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I’m now taking. Turning 40 – and having a thin frame – has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it’s designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. They’re now offering international shipping so if you live in the UK, Canada, Australia, or anywhere around the world, you can try Previnex as well. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don’t feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex! Thank you LMNT! A big thanks to LMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at LMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best. LMNT’s products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out LMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.    

Pete Pfitzinger is a RRCA hall of famer, top American at two Olympic Marathons, and legendary coach and author most known for his book Advanced Marathoning (the 4th edition is now available for preorder!). He's the top American at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Marathons, a 2-time winner of the San Francisco Marathon, 3rd place finisher at the 1987 NYC Marathon, and a coach with 30+ years of experience. He's on the podcast today to discuss marathon training: How is your posture during the delay related to how you run and your injury risk? The value of back to back hard days (and how to structure them) Training red flags that Pete consistently sees Why "Advanced Marathoning" is not just for advanced runners Recovery & training tips for Master's runners The different applications for cross-training Pete is one of the best and it's an absolute pleasure to learn from him. If you have someone running marathons in your life, please send them this episode or go leave it 5 stars in your podcast player. And don't forget to preorder the new edition of his book! Thanks Boulderthon! Boulderthon is a top 10 race in America according to USA Today and one of the best fall marathons according to Runner’s World. With a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon, Boulderthon offers an amazing fall destination race weekend right at the foothills of the Rockies. Use code STRENGTH20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon. Join me in Boulder, one of the top running destinations in the country, on September 28th, to experience the tight knit running community here, race on the epic streets of Boulder, and finish on historic Pearl Street. While I live in Denver, I travel to Boulder probably once a week to run. It’s arguably one of the best running locations in the United States. There’ll probably be cool and crisp fall weather for racing fast, too. And don’t worry, Boulderthon is a BQ-eligible, USA Track & Field Sanctioned Event. Boulderthon is on track to sell out again this year so don’t miss out. Use code STRENGTH20 to save $20 on the marathon or half-marathon here and I hope to see you in Boulder this fall. Thank you 2Before! We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles. Just like beetroot, New Zealand blackcurrant berries act as a vasodilator to increase blood flow, helping you perform better. Boost your performance and immune system with 2Before. Use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com. Thank you 2Before for supporting Strength Running!  

Strength training is such a valuable tool for building speed, power, efficiency, strength, and injury resilience, that this episode needed to be republished! It originally aired in March 2022. Andy Galpin, PhD has been an assistant professor at California State University Fullerton for more than a decade. He formerly won a Division 3 national football championship while earning his exercise science degree at Linfield College. He then got his Master’s in Human Movement Sciences and his PhD in human bioenergetics. He serves on many advisory boards in the area of human performance, wrote the 2017 book Unplugged, and is a sought after speaker and high performance coach. In this conversation, we’re focusing on the principles that influence the strength workouts of endurance runners how we can train power during our strength sessions common mistakes in this area how to lessen the risk of injuries during power-oriented training his favorite at-home pieces of equipment Learn more about lifting for speed and power here. Thank you 2XU! If you haven’t tried 2XU technical compression gear, you’re missing out. 2XU has been the world leader in performance compression for 20 years, helping runners feel better and recover faster with compression gear that’s backed by scientific evidence. Their graduated compression gear is engineered to improve blood flow and performance while speeding recovery. My personal favorites include the Light Speed React half-tights (with tons of pockets for your phone and fuel!) as well as their Ignition Shield tights (for colder weather). Knowing that their gear is engineered for runners by runners and backed by research makes me absolutely love 2XU. Go to 2xu.com and use code “JASON” in all caps to get 20% off sitewide, except clearance items or wetsuits. Thank you MOBO Board! Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly! Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength. I was recently at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com. Thanks to The Performance Training Journal! The Performance Training Journal is now available on Amazon and debuted as the #4 new release in the running category. Since I started running in 1998, I’ve kept a hardcopy training journal. Holding a tangible log, writing in it daily, and reflecting on the ups and downs of running is a surefire way to improve.  This hardcopy training journal helps you focus on the training metrics that matter, prioritizes a long-term outlook so you don’t take any shortcuts, and maintains your motivation with strategic self-praise. With a no-frills, functional design, the Performance Training Journal includes coaching advice on racing, injury prevention, strength training, and more. It will guide you through race scheduling, how to plan your race morning, the best workouts for endurance runners, and encourage you to track your personal bests over time.  You have the space to make this journal your own whether you’re a new runner or a professional, a trail or road runner, or a mid-distance specialist or ultra marathoner.⁣ So don’t just track your running, learn from it with the Performance Training Journal! Check it out today on Amazon.

Continuous Glucose Monitors - or CGM's - tell you how much glucose is in your body in real-time. But can they be helpful for runners? As the carb revolution continues and we understand the importance of high-carb fueling for endurance performance, the next logical question to ask is: Well, what's the optimal level of glucose? Is there a range that's most beneficial? Coach Hunter Allen joins us to discuss how to train effectively with a CGM. He is a USA Cycling Level I coach, founder of the Peaks Coaching Group, cofounder of TrainingPeaks Software, and a former professional cyclist with the Navigators team. Hunter has been coaching endurance athletes since 1995 and was also the BMX technical coach for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His new book is now available for preorder: Training and Competing with a Continuous Glucose Monitor:  A User’s Guide for Athletes. In this episode we discuss:  What CGM's do and don't do How to calibrate a continuous glucose monitor The importance of finding your personal optimal range How to fuel to prevent crashes (AND spikes) Potential drawbacks and who a CGM is not for If you have not yet, make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast player so you never miss an episode of the Strength Running Podcast! More resources:  Nutrition Q&A with a Registered Dietitian The New Rules of Protein for Endurance Runners (podcast) Recovery Truths I Wish I Knew Earlier (video) Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I’m now taking. Turning 40 – and having a thin frame – has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it’s designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. They’re now offering international shipping so if you live in the UK, Canada, Australia, or anywhere around the world, you can try Previnex as well. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don’t feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex! Thank you LMNT! A big thanks to LMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at LMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best. And BIG news! Their newest flavor is now available for a limited time: LEMONADE SALT! LMNT’s products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out LMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.

A breakthrough race is intoxicating. Running a big Personal Best is a clear sign that you're training well, thriving, and on the right track. But what happens next? What happens after you run a big PR and your season comes to an end? How do you keep the momentum going, while still respecting recovery and your need for down-time?  This episode is a repost of a conversation on the Elevate Your Running podcast with coach Sara Manderscheid. We talk about: Recovery is a real phase of training. Learn how long to rest and why it's more than physical. Race analysis and reflection: Discover how to learn from your recent race, identifying both successes and areas for improvement. New Goals or No?: Explore diverse approaches to planning your next training cycle. Smart base rebuilding: Find effective strategies for a gradual and consistent return to training. Preventing burnout and staying motivated: Keep your passion for running strong, even during the off-season. More resources: The "Season Before the Season" video Coaching & Training Programs Follow Sara on Instagram How to plan your season Thanks Boulderthon! Boulderthon is a top 10 race in America according to USA Today and one of the best fall marathons according to Runner’s World. With a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon, Boulderthon offers an amazing fall destination race weekend right at the foothills of the Rockies. Use code STRENGTH20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon. Join me in Boulder, one of the top running destinations in the country, on September 28th, to experience the tight knit running community here, race on the epic streets of Boulder, and finish on historic Pearl Street. While I live in Denver, I travel to Boulder probably once a week to run. It’s arguably one of the best running locations in the United States. There’ll probably be cool and crisp fall weather for racing fast, too. And don’t worry, Boulderthon is a BQ-eligible, USA Track & Field Sanctioned Event. Boulderthon is on track to sell out again this year so don’t miss out. Use code STRENGTH20 to save $20 on the marathon or half-marathon here and I hope to see you in Boulder this fall. Thank you 2Before! We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles. Just like beetroot, New Zealand blackcurrant berries act as a vasodilator to increase blood flow, helping you perform better. Boost your performance and immune system with 2Before. Use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com. Thank you 2Before for supporting Strength Running!

Do nasal strips actually help you breathe better? What about detox diets or organic food - are they worth it? In this episode, Dr. Nick Tiller shares the evidence behind a variety of health and wellness trends and ideas, including: Cupping Organic Food Detox Diets Nasal Strips Respiratory Muscle Trainers Barefoot Running Dr. Nick Tiller is a research associate at the Lundquist Institute, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, an acclaimed writer, and author of The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science which was named one of Book Authority's "Best Sports Science Books of All Time." He is an accomplished ultra runner, a regular contributor to Skeptical Inquirer and Ultra-Running Magazine, and serves as an associate editor for the International Journal of Sports Nutrition.  Be sure to check out Nick's website and follow him on Twitter. Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss any future episodes! Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I’m now taking. Turning 40 – and having a thin frame – has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it’s designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. They’re now offering international shipping so if you live in the UK, Canada, Australia, or anywhere around the world, you can try Previnex as well. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don’t feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex! Thank you LMNT! A big thanks to LMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at LMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best. LMNT’s products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out LMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season. Thank you Gut & Green! Previnex’s new Gut & Green Superfoods powder is my new go-to. It has organic barley and oat grass, alfalfa, spirulina, chlorella, kale and broccoli… and that’s it. Their ingredients are backed by clinical data and contain three specific gut fibers that help promote GI health, digestion, reduced inflammation, and a better microbiome. With twice of the fiber of my last greens mix and a better flavor, it’s a no brainer for me. Try it for yourself here at previnex.com and be sure to use code “JASONGREENS” to save 15% off your first order. Don’t tell anyone, but if you put Gut & Green Superfoods powder in your cart, then the 15% off discount will work for anything else you add into your cart as well. Thanks Gut & Green!  

Creatine is now one of the most hyped supplements with promises of faster recovery, leaner muscle gain, and even increased strength and power. But should distance runners consider adding it to their routine? Is it worth the benefits while considering its drawbacks. Brady Holmer is a physiologist, 2:24 marathoner, and author of the Physiologically Speaking and Run Long, Run Healthy newsletters (the latter was previously authored by legend Amby Burfoot). He joins us to discuss: What is creatine and what it does Its benefits (and caveats with those benefits) Potential drawbacks Timing and dosing of creatine Whether it's ultimately worth it for endurance runners You can also follow Brady on X for commentary, new science, and humor. Thank you 2XU! If you haven’t tried 2XU technical compression gear, you’re missing out. 2XU has been the world leader in performance compression for 20 years, helping runners feel better and recover faster with compression gear that’s backed by scientific evidence. Their graduated compression gear is engineered to improve blood flow and performance while speeding recovery. My personal favorites include the Light Speed React half-tights (with tons of pockets for your phone and fuel!) as well as their Ignition Shield tights (for colder weather). Knowing that their gear is engineered for runners by runners and backed by research makes me absolutely love 2XU. Go to 2xu.com and use code “JASON” in all caps to get 20% off sitewide, except clearance items or wetsuits. Thank you MOBO Board! Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly! Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength. I was recently at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com. Thanks to The Performance Training Journal! The Performance Training Journal is now available on Amazon and debuted as the #4 new release in the running category. Since I started running in 1998, I’ve kept a hardcopy training journal. Holding a tangible log, writing in it daily, and reflecting on the ups and downs of running is a surefire way to improve.  This hardcopy training journal helps you focus on the training metrics that matter, prioritizes a long-term outlook so you don’t take any shortcuts, and maintains your motivation with strategic self-praise. With a no-frills, functional design, the Performance Training Journal includes coaching advice on racing, injury prevention, strength training, and more. It will guide you through race scheduling, how to plan your race morning, the best workouts for endurance runners, and encourage you to track your personal bests over time.  You have the space to make this journal your own whether you’re a new runner or a professional, a trail or road runner, or a mid-distance specialist or ultra marathoner.⁣ So don’t just track your running, learn from it with the Performance Training Journal! Check it out today on Amazon.

My client Brandon has had an amazing few years: he resolved several imbalances, improved his stride, healed ITBS, ran PR's in 4 major race distances, and also set a few training mileage PR's .... wow! In this episode, he explains how he turned his running around and got faster, healthier, and able to train even more. A big part was his embrace of strength training with our High Performance Lifting program. For other options, see all of our Training Programs. We discuss: What his training was like before he made this transformation How he changed his approach to running for the better The distances that he set PR's in The most important lessons he'd tell you if you want to improve Thanks Boulderthon! Boulderthon is a top 10 race in America according to USA Today and one of the best fall marathons according to Runner’s World. With a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon, Boulderthon offers an amazing fall destination race weekend right at the foothills of the Rockies. Use code STRENGTH20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon. Join me in Boulder, one of the top running destinations in the country, on September 28th, to experience the tight knit running community here, race on the epic streets of Boulder, and finish on historic Pearl Street. While I live in Denver, I travel to boulder probably once a week to run. It’s arguably one of the best running locations in the United States. There’ll probably be cool and crisp fall weather for racing fast, too. And don’t worry, Boulderthon is a BQ-eligible, USA Track & Field Sanctioned Event. Boulderthon is on track to sell out again this year so don’t miss out. Use code STRENGTH20 to save $20 on the marathon or half-marathon here and I hope to see you in Boulder this fall. Thanks 2XU! If you haven’t tried 2XU's technical compression gear, you are missing out! I love their tights - if you’re following me on Instagram you’ve seen me wear these tights all the time. Two Times You has been the world leader in performance compression for 20 years - helping runners feel better and recover faster with compression gear that’s backed by scientific evidence.  Their graduated compression gear is engineered to improve blood flow and performance, while speeding recovery. Plus, they also have arm and calf sleeves for more targeted compression if you need it. The Light Speed React compression half-tights are my go-to now that it’s warming up here in Colorado. They’re built for speed, have enough compression to give me the support I want, and enough pockets for my phone and a lot of gels. Knowing that their gear is engineered for runners, by runners, and backed by research, makes me absolutely love 2XU. Go to 2xu.com and use code JASON (in all caps) to get 20% off sitewide (except clearance items or wetsuits). Again that’s code JASON for 20% off at 2xu.com  

Dr. Victoria Sekely is a physical therapist, certified strength & conditioning specialist, and certified running coach. She is one of the brightest, most nuanced thinkers in the running space. In this episode, we answer YOUR questions about strength training! How to balance running and CrossFit When "something is better than nothing" might be wrong Why pilates and yoga are not replacements for strength training Why weight lifting shouldn't be aerobically demanding Calf & soleus exercises she recommends How to get confident adding weight to your strength exercises A lot more! I am so impressed with Victoria that I hired her to help me build Bodyweight Power, our progressive, periodized bodyweight strength training program. If you’d like to learn more about it, go to strengthrunning.com/bodyweight-power/ Please connect with Victoria on her Instagram page or via her website (she shares great stuff). Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I’m now taking. Turning 40 – and having a thin frame – has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it’s designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. They’re now offering international shipping so if you live in the UK, Canada, Australia, or anywhere around the world, you can try Previnex as well. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don’t feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex! Thank you LMNT! A big thanks to LMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at LMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best. LMNT’s products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out LMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.  

Bestselling author and acclaimed exercise science journalist Alex Hutchinson is back on the podcast! He is a regular columnist for Outside magazine writing the Sweat Science column and has contributed to publications such as the New York Times and the New Yorker. He’s a former member of the Canadian national team, holds a PhD in physics from the University of Cambridge, a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University, and conducted post-doctoral research with the National Security Agency. We're exploring the frontier: what Alex is most excited about from the latest research that has the potential to change how we train. We discuss everything from heat training, to high volume and how to distribute mileage, the effort paradox, and more. His newest book, The Explorer's Gene: Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors and the Blank Spots on the Map is available now. His prior books are some of my favorites, from the bestselling Endure to the quirky physiology Q&A book Cardio or Weights? I recommend all of them. If you enjoy this conversation, be sure to follow and subscribe to the Strength Running Podcast! Learn more: How to Build Mileage (NOT the 10% Rule) Weight training for runners Thanks Boulderthon! Boulderthon is a top 10 race in America according to USA Today and one of the best fall marathons according to Runner’s World. With a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon, Boulderthon offers an amazing fall destination race weekend right at the foothills of the Rockies. Use code STRENGTH20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon. Join me in Boulder, one of the top running destinations in the country, on September 28th, to experience the tight knit running community here, race on the epic streets of Boulder, and finish on historic Pearl Street. While I live in Denver, I travel to boulder probably once a week to run. It’s arguably one of the best running locations in the United States. There’ll probably be cool and crisp fall weather for racing fast, too. And don’t worry, Boulderthon is a BQ-eligible, USA Track & Field Sanctioned Event. Boulderthon is on track to sell out again this year so don’t miss out. Use code STRENGTH20 to save $20 on the marathon or half-marathon here and I hope to see you in Boulder this fall. Thank you Gut & Green Superfoods! Previnex’s new Gut & Green Superfoods greens powder is my new go-to. It has organic barley and oat grass, alfalfa, spirulina, chlorella, kale and broccoli… and that’s it. Their ingredients are backed by clinical data and contain three specific gut fibers that help promote GI health, digestion, reduced inflammation, and a better microbiome. It has twice the amount of fiber than my last greens mix and, best of all, it actually tastes good. Try it for yourself here at previnex.com and be sure to use code “JASONGREENS” to save 15% off your first order. Don’t tell anyone, but if you put Gut & Green Superfoods powder in your cart, then the 15% off discount will work for anything else you add into your cart as well.  And by the way, with every order they donate vitamins to kids in need. Thanks Previnex.