Kentucky Running

A Running Start focuses on recovery through running. Executive Director Liz Hodge and volunteer Tim Candelaria join the show to discuss the mission and impact of A Running Start, a Lexington program that integrates running with recovery for individuals overcoming substance abuse. Learn more about A Running Start Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and spons...

This episode covers how the local running community can protect the Kentucky trails they love. First, Meredith McKinney from ASICS breaks down the latest tech in the Cumulus 28 and the highly anticipated Superblast 3, while explaining how ASICS is integrating recycled materials and carbon-tracking into their manufacturing. Then, Chrissie Balding from Lexington’s Sustainability Section introduces C...

Matt talks with Laura Daley and Jordan Amis from Lexington Habitat for Humanity about the 20th annual Shamrock Shuffle 3K . Learn about how this St. Patrick's Day tradition started, the impact it's had on Kentucky families, and what we can expect in 2026. It's one of many events happening in March. Matt delivers a rundown of what will be a very busy and fun month at John's Run/Walk Shop. Kentucky...

Matt talks with John's Run/Walk Shop Race Director Eva Jackson and General Manager Riley Marshall about the 2026 lineup for John's Bluegrass Racing Company. Learn about this year's Run the Bluegrass; Iron Horse; Beer, Bourbon & Wine XC Series, and more. Plus, Mizuno tech rep Hope Nixon joins the show to drop details on the latest version of the Wave Inspire. Sign up for our races at johnsblueg...

Kelsey Karnes from MoveSmart physical therapy is back to discuss the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction, specifically as it relates to runners. While it's primarily a women's health issue, it can affect men too. Kelsey emphasizes that while these issues are common, they're not normal. She talks about symptoms to watch for as well as treatment and prevention. Read Kelsey's blog posts on this to...

In this conversation, Dr. Alex Edison and Dr. Jen Xu from the University of Kentucky Sports Medicine Research Institute discuss lower extremity injuries, particularly focusing on the ankle and foot. They explore common injuries among runners, prevention strategies, the importance of warming up and recovery, the role of the brain in injury prevention, and the significance of proper footwear. The co...

In this conversation, Matt speaks with Chrissie Balding and Leah Combs about the Lexington chapter of Trail Sisters, a national organization aimed at creating an inclusive community for women in trail running. They share their personal journeys into trail running, the importance of having a supportive women-specific community, and the challenges women face in the sport. The discussion also covers...

Matt sits down with Jaiden English, a weightlifter, runner, and certified personal trainer. Jaiden shares her journey from fitness novice to marathon runner, detailing how she balances running and weightlifting, the importance of nutrition, and her passion for helping others online at @jaidenglish_fitness on Instagram . Tune in for practical tips on managing fitness routines, overcoming mental hur...

In 2009, Black Girls RUN! was created in an effort to tackle the growing obesity epidemic in the African-American community and provide encouragement and resources to both new and veteran runners. Dania Britt and Tamekka Cornelius, Ambassadors for the Louisville chapter, talk to us about the impact this organization has made on women in Kentucky. Plus, John's Run/Walk Shop has a HUGE announcement....

If you've heard the term "super shoe" and had no clue what they are or if they're right for you, this episode will bring you up to *ahem* speed. John's Run/Walk Shop's Running Shoe Buyer Kellen Ague-Kneeland joins the show to discuss the history and innovations of super shoes. He drops knowledge on super shoes' materials, their benefits to runners, and which ones you can find on JRWS shelves. Kent...

Tennis and pickleball are popular sports, but not everyone wears the right shoes to keep their feet secure and safe. In this episode, our ASICS tech rep, Meredith McKinney, explains the importance of proper court footwear and the options ASICS offers. Join us on June 11 for Nightfall Pickleball . You could win a free pair of ASICS court shoes! Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop i...

Summer running in Kentucky means having to pay extra attention to hydration. On this episode, Lance Bollinger, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky, provides valuable information on how proper hydration can keep you safe and improve running performance. Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and spo...

Julie Bretigan is the Executive Director of Life Adventure Center in Versailles, a nonprofit that uses outdoor adventure to unlock resilience in people who have experienced trauma. We'll talk about their impact and how you can support their mission. Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored by Currex insoles . Join our running clubs ! Use code SUMME...

Cara Meade from Creative Yoga in Lexington joins the show to discuss how yoga can benefit runners. If you're looking for new ways to improve your running performance, listen to this episode and consider yoga. Plus, our Brooks Guru gives us details on the Ghost 17. Learn more about yoga for runners in this blog post from Cara. And learn more about yoga on Now: a Podcast by Creative Yoga . Kentucky...

We're excited to bring on Special Olympics Kentucky as our race beneficiary for Run the Bluegrass. Brent Wallace joins the show to discuss his many years as a Special Olympics volunteer. He tells us about their opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities, a common misperception of Special Olympians, and what not to do at the Polar Plunge. Learn more at soky.org . Sign up for Run the...

Of course, getting the right pair of shoes is essential for foot health. But shoes are only part of the solution. John Mascari of Currex talks to us about the advantages of insoles. Running, walking, standing ... whatever you're doing, a good pair of insoles can make a huge difference in health, comfort, and running performance. Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Ke...

University of Kentucky's DanceBlue is an entirely student-run organization that fundraises year-round for the DanceBlue Hematology/Oncology Clinic and culminates in a 24-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon. On this episode, UK students Anneli White and Sammy Tate, both of whom are part of this year’s DanceBlue committee, discuss the impact DanceBlue has had on Kentucky children. We'll also...

We love trees! In this episode, Heather Wilson explains why you should too. Heather is the Senior Program Manager of Urban & Community Forestry and former City Arborist for LFUCG. She tells us about the importance of a robust urban canopy and the impact Reforest the Bluegrass has had on our community for over a quarter century. You can support Reforest the Bluegrass by joining us on March 22 a...

Converting an old, 10-acre parking lot into a vibrant public park is no small feat, but it's about to become a reality later this year. Gatton Park on the Town Branch is nearing completion. Executive Director Allison Lankford joins Kentucky Running to discuss the project's history and what we can expect when the park launches. gattonpark.org | Facebook | Instagram Kentucky Running is produced by J...

How can you protect yourself on the roads and the trails? What gear is essential for runners to carry? What should you do if you think you're being followed? These aren't fun questions to think about, but they're important ones. Varinka Ensminger is an accomplished runner, a security manager for the Department of Defense, a trainer for the U.S. Army, and a former forensic detective for the Lexingt...

Katie Ullery-Syvarth is a registered dietician who works with athletes to address issues of underfueling and eating disorders. In this episode, Katie talks about proper fueling, warning signs of eating disorders, and how coaches and parents can help young athletes who might be experiencing disordered eating. Nutrition. At. Play JRWS Training Programs HOKA Bondi 9 Kentucky Running is produced by Jo...

After the tragic loss of one of their members, Frontrunners Lexington launched an initiative to quantify the number of drivers running red lights in Lexington. Matt talks to Jason Schubert of Frontrunners to discuss this community-led effort and what the next steps will be as they work toward a safer city. Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored b...

For years, RunTheBluegrass has been one of Kentucky's premier running events. On this episode, John's Run/Walk Shop General Manager Riley Marshall talks with RunTheBluegrass founder Eric Patrick Marr to discuss the exciting news about America's Prettiest Half Marathon . They describe what makes RunTheBluegrass special and what updates are being made now that the race is under the management of Joh...

Physical therapist Kelsey Karnes of MoveSmart returns to Kentucky Running to discuss recovery strategies. How does recovery differ based on the distance you're training for? How do busy runners build in recovery time? What's the best time to foam roll? Listen for Kelsey's answers to these questions and more. Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored...

Heidi Guckenberger is the Executive Director of Girls on the Run Central Kentucky , which has spent the past 15 years helping local girls build confidence and healthy relationships through running. Heidi discusses the history of the organization and the impact its made in Central Kentucky. We also talk with our New Balance tech rep about the latest version of the popular 1080 ... and how you could...