The Strength Running Podcast

Kylee Van Horn is the founder Fly Nutrition, which offers nutrition and coaching services to endurance athletes. She works with many elite trail and road runners and is also a runner and a coach, and writes a featured bi-monthly column for Trail Runner Magazine. When it comes to nutrition, misunderstandings abound among athletes. My conversation with Kylee covers a broad range of topics to help you better understand both the basics and nuances of fueling, and avoid common mistakes.  Some of our discussion topics include: Common diet mistakes in endurance athletes Understanding what it means to eat enough Simple habit changes to improve your fueling Learning to eat intuitively AND intentionally How to incorporate more protein throughout your day The role of nutrition in reducing muscle soreness Kylee simplifies the complexities of nutrition and can help you create a strategy to improve your own fueling.  Enjoy our conversation! Links & Resources from the Show: Check out Fly Nutrition Follow Fly Nutrition on Facebook and Instagram Learn more about Kylee and Microcosm Coaching Download a bonus podcast with another registered dietitian Thank You AG1! We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews. One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train. I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do. For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today. Thank you to our Performance Training Journal! We’re also brought to you by our very own Performance Training Journal, which 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.

23 Nov 202352min

This week the focus is on the psoas with Dr. Lara Johnson. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist, yoga teacher, personal trainer, former athlete for BAA Elite, and the owner of Yellow Brick Physical Therapy in Boulder, CO. Lara also co-leads annual running and meditation retreats with Runners Reconnect in the Colorado mountains. Lara’s unique experiences as an athlete and physiologist have all contributed to her holistic view of healing the human body. In her physical therapy practice, she uses a comprehensive approach to help runners get strong and athletic and build injury resiliency. The psoas is one of her favorite areas of focus due the impact it can have on so many parts of the body. Some of the topics we dive into today include: All about the psoas muscle: where is it and what does it do? How problems with the psoas can impact other areas of the body What type of problems runners typically have with the psoas Why paying attention to the basics may be your best injury prevention strategy How to determine if your psoas is strong and pliable or if there is an imbalance Lara is a passionate advocate for helping athletes stay healthy and strong. Our conversation will help you better understand this important muscle! Links & Resources from the Show: Learn more about Lara and her PT practice Follow Lara on Instagram Learn more about how to reduce your injury risk Thank you DrinkLMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT 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 DrinkLMNT. 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.  DrinkLMNT'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. My favorite flavor is watermelon salt, but citrus salt is also a banger. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium. There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. Thank You Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being 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. I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and  I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs.  I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!l

16 Nov 20231h

On the podcast this week to discuss the best way to plan your pre-season running is Matt Meyer, who competes with the competitive crew of The Track Club in Boulder, CO.  Matt is both a running coach and strength coach, and he joined me on a previous episode of the podcast to talk about high-mileage training. He recently ran a marathon PR of 2:34:35 in Berlin, and set a back squat PR of 265 pounds. Who says fast marathoners can’t be strong?!   Matt and I address the concept of a pre-season versus an off-season and why time away from heavy training is a great opportunity to address any weaknesses or imbalances you may have. Our conversation will help you get the most out of both your pre-reason and race-specific training.  We discuss: Why Matt's recent PR training cycle necessitated more time off The importance of true rest for physical and psychological recovery Why pre-season is a great time to become a more well-rounded runner How to use past training cycles to plan the length of your pre-season and race-specific training Using pre-season training as a chance for a new stimulus Limiting pre-season intensity to avoid burnout Matt's positive energy and nuanced approach to training will benefit runners of all levels! Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Matt on Instagram and Strava Learn more about Matt Listen to my previous episode with Matt on high mileage running Read more about base-building Don't miss out on our complimentary strength series 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 just 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. Thank You AG1! We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews. One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train. I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do. For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

9 Nov 20231h 8min

My guest for this special episode answering your training questions is running coach Sara Manderscheid. Sara has more than 15 years of competitive experience and is a Boston qualifier. She hosts the Elevate Your Running podcast and turned the tables to interview me in episode 257. Sara is an experienced coach who leads the Elevate Your Running camps held in Boulder, Colorado. Today she takes time to answer a variety of training questions with me, ranging from injury prevention and warm ups to planning your long-term training. We discuss: What, if any, are the warning signs before straining a muscle? Beyond training design, what should athletes prioritize for continued progress? How concerned should you be with heart rate fluctuations during a taper? What are the different ways to approach warming up for a variety of workouts? How do athletes strategize for long-term planning? Sarah’s road to continued progress in her own running! Sarahs knowledge and enthusiasm for helping runners is contagious, and your training is sure to benefit from our discussion! Links & Resources from the Show: Check out my previous episode with Sara Learn more about Coach Sara Listen to the Elevate your Running podcast Let me help you with your training Thank you DrinkLMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT 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 DrinkLMNT. 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.  DrinkLMNT'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. My favorite flavor is watermelon salt, but citrus salt is also a banger. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium. There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. Thank You Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being 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. I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and  I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs.  I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!

2 Nov 202356min

Jason Hardrath was named one of the 20 most inspirational ultrarunners of 2021. After a car accident in 2015 derailed his triathlon career, he had to reevaluate his future in competition. But with an extraordinary dedication to rehabilitation and proving his doctors wrong, he was able to resume running. Jason has earned well over a hundred Fastest Known Times (FKTs) and was a 2021 FKT of the Year top 10 finalist. As an adventurer and ultrarunner he has shifted his focus to a new project, completing “infinity loops” around the 7 highest volcanic summits in the world. Jason was inspired by the volcanoes he climbed around his home near Klamath, Oregon, throughout his recovery process. Jason’s adventures are unique in the skills they require and the terrain that they cover, combining ultrarunning distances over elevations that can rise well above 18,000 feet. His most recent movie on YouTube, Journey to Infinity, documents his incredible story on the first of the seven volcanic peaks, Mexico’s Pico di Orizaba. Our conversation today highlights Jason's story and his current and future adventures, including: Jason’s background that led him down the FKT path How a change in thinking allowed him to move forward from his accident The origin of the “infinity loop” The challenges and risks of adventures at high altitude Jason’s experience with HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema) How Jason has trained for his recent adventures Why he chose to focus on the  7 Volcanic Summits What Jason faces on his next infinity loop attempt at Ojos Del Salado Jason's story is a fascinating and inspiring one - enjoy! Links & Resources from the Show: Learn more about Jason and his journey to 100 FKTs Check out Jason's FKT on the Pico De Orizaba Infinity Loop Listen to the Dirtbag Diaries on the origin of the Infinity Loop concept Read about the Volcanic Seven Summits of the World Watch Journey to Infinity Thank you Impossible Sleep! We’re also supported by Impossible Sleep, a performance sleep drink to help high performers get the most out of their nightly rest. Impossible Sleep is a melatonin free sleep drink mix that provides deep recovery while gently lulling you to sleep. It only has two ingredients, with magnesium to promote muscle recovery and deep sleep, and L-theanine for a subtle calming effect that helps you wind down at the end of the day. High achieving runners have to prioritize their sleep - it’s like a performance enhancing drug that allows us to absorb our training, improve, and race faster. The Impossible Sleep drink helps you optimize your bedtime routine so you can get as much deep recovery as possible. When you consider that studies have shown that sleep loss can lead to glucose imbalances, increased anxiety, and your risk of getting sick, it’s a no-brainer to get as much high quality sleep as you can. Learn more about Impossible Sleep drink and be sure to use code jason20 to save 20% on your first subscription order, plus you’ll get a free sleep kit as a welcome gift. Thank you 2before! Get primed for your run with an all-natural pre-workout called 2before made from New Zealand blackcurrant berries. Blackcurrant berries have been scientifically proven to increase cardiovascular endurance, speed up muscle recovery, reduce inflammation and support immunity.  Blackcurrant berries are actually more effective than beetroot, which has been used for some time to improve performance. They help with improved blood flow and inflammation management and are full of immune-boosting antioxidants. Go to 2before and use code JASON at checkout to save 30% and get free shipping.

26 Okt 20231h 9min

My guest on the podcast this week is a coach who takes a holistic view of endurance training and considers himself a problem solver for endurance athletes. Keith Mueller is the founder of Higher Ground Athletics in Boulder, Colorado. His understanding of the details of movement patterns - including pronation and supination - will help you get a better grasp of this essential running mechanism. Keith and I met a few months ago on a group run, and we soon found ourselves deep in discussion about performance and training theory. He has worked with an array of athletes, ranging from weekend warriors to state champion cross-country teams. Keith’s view of training is comprehensive, exposing athletes to the gamut of trainable qualities to make them better prepared for all the demands that running places on the body. Our conversation today will help you think differently (and likely in greater depth) than ever before on pronation and supination.  We discuss: The relationship between pronation and supination Why flat feet and high arches matter less than you might think The important role of rotation in pronation Your range of motion: use it or lose it Whether barefoot running helps retrain your movement patterns How variety gives your body the ability to improve The importance of moving away from idea of “good” or “bad” movement patterns Keith’s ability to communicate complicated concepts make this a podcast that all runners will enjoy and benefit from! Links & Resources from the Show: Learn more about Keith and Higher Ground Athletics Follow Higher Ground Athletics on Instagram Watch more from Higher Ground Athletics on YouTube Need help with injury prevention? Thank you Lagoon! Our newest sponsor is Lagoon, maker of the most comfortable pillow I’ve ever used. And that’s no hyperbole. I’m pleasantly surprised every night I lie down because this pillow is just perfect for me. Since I know that sleep is the #1 recovery tool at my disposal, I’m taking it a lot more seriously. I took their sleep quiz to find the right pillow for my body size and sleeping position at. It only takes 2 minutes and you’ll find the type of pillow that will work best for you. I’m using the Fox and absolutely loving it. A big reason why is because it’s adjustable. Since you can add or remove fill to get your alignment right, it’s a great way to optimize the most important way you can become a better runner that isn’t training: sleep. We all know how important sleep is. It’s the best recovery tool that you have at your disposal - better than compression, ice, heat, massage, or anything else you can think of. Sleep is when the magic happens and your sleep quality matters. Take your rest and recovery to the next level with Lagoon and get 15% off your purchase with code strengthrunning here. Thank you DrinkLMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT 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 DrinkLMNT. 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.  DrinkLMNT'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. My favorite flavor is watermelon salt, but citrus salt is also a banger. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium. There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. Thank You Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being 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. I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and  I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs.  I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!

19 Okt 20231h 13min

My guest on the podcast this week is Hannah, a former one-on-one coaching client who recently earned a PR at the 2023 Boston Marathon. Hannah and I met a little over a year ago at a running retreat in Colorado and started working together shortly thereafter, with her focus almost exclusively on half marathons and marathons.  Recently Hannah started to contemplate going after a 5k PR, but has had questions about making the transition from endurance training to 5k specific workouts. Our discussion today revolves around the best way to make that transition. Hannah is already doing a lot of things right in her training, but needs help learning how to reorient her focus and tweak her workouts. In our conversation, Hannah and I cover: Hannah’s running history and recent training What her typical week looks like How 5k training can help her long term development as a runner Learning how to engage psychologically with more intense efforts How to “bridge the gap” from marathon to 5k training Using shorter races on the road or track to get out of your comfort zone Transitioning to 5k specific workouts No matter what your preferred racing distance may be, you're sure to gain some insight on how to plan your training from this episode. Links & Resources from the Show: Join one of our coaching programs to run your next PR Get strong like Hannah with High Performance Lifting Learn more about 5k specific workouts How to engineer a 5k personal best Thank You Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being 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. I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and  I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs.  I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex! Thank you Impossible Sleep! We’re also supported by Impossible Sleep, a performance sleep drink to help high performers get the most out of their nightly rest. Impossible Sleep is a melatonin free sleep drink mix that provides deep recovery while gently lulling you to sleep. It only has two ingredients, with magnesium to promote muscle recovery and deep sleep, and L-theanine for a subtle calming effect that helps you wind down at the end of the day. High achieving runners have to prioritize their sleep - it’s like a performance enhancing drug that allows us to absorb our training, improve, and race faster. The Impossible Sleep drink helps you optimize your bedtime routine so you can get as much deep recovery as possible. When you consider that studies have shown that sleep loss can lead to glucose imbalances, increased anxiety, and your risk of getting sick, it’s a no-brainer to get as much high quality sleep as you can. Learn more about Impossible Sleep drink and be sure to use code jason20 to save 20% on your first subscription order, plus you’ll get a free sleep kit as a welcome gift. Thank you 2before! Get primed for your run with an all-natural pre-workout called 2before made from New Zealand blackcurrant berries. Blackcurrant berries have been scientifically proven to increase cardiovascular endurance, speed up muscle recovery, reduce inflammation and support immunity.  Blackcurrant berries are actually more effective than beetroot, which has been used for some time to improve performance. They help with improved blood flow and inflammation management and are full of immune-boosting antioxidants. Go to 2before and use code JASON at checkout to save 30% and get free shipping.

12 Okt 202357min

Alex Hetherington is the race director for the Marine Corps Marathon - but he's not your typical race director. Alex is a retired Marine aviator and a member of the All-Marine running team for 14 years. His resume includes a win at the Armed Forces Marathon Championship in 1998 as well as an astounding 27 finishes at the MCM. Our conversation focuses on what you can expect from this year’s race: What makes the MCM so special, and why it is referred to as “The People’s Marathon” Why there is no “typical” weather for MCM The importance of planning pre-race logistics to get to the starting area How the newest race sponsors help support its environmental ethic Locations of hills on the course and how to tackle them How the course layout helps runners runners approach it in segments Fueling and hydration options and pace group support Unique aspects of the race, including support from active duty Marines throughout Links & Resources from the Show: Follow the Marine Corps Marathon on Instagram and Facebook Learn more about the Marine Corps Marathon Watch more about the Marine Corps Marathon on YouTube Want to PR your next marathon? Maximize Your Recovery with a Lagoon Pillow Our newest sponsor is Lagoon, maker of the most comfortable pillow I’ve ever used. And that’s no hyperbole. I’m pleasantly surprised every night I lie down because this pillow is just perfect for me. Since I know that sleep is the #1 recovery tool at my disposal, I’m taking it a lot more seriously. I took their sleep quiz to find the right pillow for my body size and sleeping position at. It only takes 2 minutes and you’ll find the type of pillow that will work best for you. I’m using the Fox and absolutely loving it. A big reason why is because it’s adjustable. Since you can add or remove fill to get your alignment right, it’s a great way to optimize the most important way you can become a better runner that isn’t training: sleep. We all know how important sleep is. It’s the best recovery tool that you have at your disposal - better than compression, ice, heat, massage, or anything else you can think of. Sleep is when the magic happens and your sleep quality matters. Take your rest and recovery to the next level with Lagoon and get 15% off your purchase with code strengthrunning here. Optimize Hydration with DrinkLMNT A big thanks to DrinkLMNT 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 DrinkLMNT. 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.  DrinkLMNT'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. My favorite flavor is watermelon salt, but citrus salt is also a banger. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium. There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack.

5 Okt 20231h 2min