RunnersConnect Run to the Top Podcast

Have you ever thought that you can’t be both strong and fast at the same time? Well, Nick Bare refuses to believe so and it’s why many consider him the ultimate hybrid athlete. With a body builder’s physique and the ability to run ultras and train for sub 3 marathons at the same time - I don’t think that’s hyperbole. In this episode, Nick shares his nutrition and training strategies so you can lea...

Now that your big race is over, what is the best thing to do before you start training for the next big race? We’ve found most runners end up choosing one far end of the spectrum from jumping right back into training to taking “a little break” that turns into weeks of lost fitness. In this podcast episode, Coach Claire shares with you how to uncode what your weaknesses are and how to attack them w...

Do you have questions about running injuries? Like, when do you know it’s time to see a PT or what’s the most time-efficient injury prevention routine? Then you’re going to love this interview with physiotherapist Brodie Sharpe, who is one of the foremost experts when it comes to science-backed information about running injuries. Here’s a small sample of what we’ll cover… How do you know when you...

If you’ve just finished a big goal race or if you are about to, now is the time to start thinking about what to do next.   In fact, the 3 weeks post-race are some of the most critical for long-term progress. In this episode, you’ll learn… Tricks and tips on h ow to properly recover from your race. When to start running again. How to get to the beginning of your next training block faster and smart...

Running faster is about physical training, sure, but there’s a mental component that can be just as difficult to overcome. In this interview with best-selling author Brad Stulberg, we’ll teach you the 6 principles to building mental toughness. You’ll love the lessons Brad shares and how it will immediately help you develop an internal strength and self-confidence that sustains you through ups and...

Visualization is a mental technique that is a staple for elite runners and superstars like Michael Jordan, Deena Kastor, and Mohammad Ali.  In this episode, Coach Claire walks you through her exact visualization strategy, step-by-step.  This way, if you’ve never done it before, you have the perfect guide; and if you already employ visualization techniques, maybe you can pickup a tidbit or two you...

Do you ever look at other runners, in person or on social media, and think “they are so much faster than me” or “they are real runners, not me”?  Well, you’re not alone and unfortunately this mindset can prevent you from enjoying everything running can be. Well, Erin Azar is on the podcast today to… Help you overcome these negative thoughts and develop a stronger mindset Document her journey as a...

Is race day coming up?  Whether this is your first big race or you're a seasoned vet, this episode will help you be sure that you don’t miss a critical step of your race day prep! In this episode, you’ll learn: Top tips and advice for preparing for race days How to optimize your nutrition as a runner Planning your race gear & logistics: travel, lodging, strategy, and clothing The mental race: expe...

The three weeks before your marathon are critical to your success on race day.  If you do too much, you’ll leave your speed in training.  But if you do too little, you can start losing fitness. In this episode you’ll learn… How to taper your mileage and training with the exact workouts you need How to change your eating patterns to recover and fuel right How to create a healthy mindset and calm yo...

There is a deep divide among runners about which is the best running shoe and the big super shoes seem to be winning.  Is this because they are better, or is it just clever marketing with a big budget?  Steven Sashen thinks it’s the latter. In this episode you’ll learn: why the barefoot/minimalist movement isn’t dead how a “natural” shoe can improve foot strength what the big brands don’t want you...

How do you KNOW that you are ready to race a marathon?  And not just run it, but race it in your dream goal finishing time? In this episode you’ll learn… The SEVEN key signs that will tell you if you are ready The most important factors of successful marathon training How to know for sure that you’ve done enough If you are training for a marathon, now is the time that you are really starting to fe...

What if you could get faster, stronger, and more mentally sharp despite turning the corner beyond age 40?  It is actually possible. Now, if you started running in your teens or in your twenties, you are not going to be able to race or train at the same intensity or paces as you did back then.  But just because your times aren’t going to be the same doesn’t mean that you can’t run your very best an...

Running strides will get you fast, fast! What if we told you that there was a way to get faster, to improve your running form, quicken your feet, better prepare for a race, and have some fun, all in less than 90 seconds of work?  The good news that such a thing actually exists.  This simple speed development drill is a staple of track and field and cross country teams all over the world, but many...

Sha'Carri Richardson thought she was going to the Olympic this summer after winning the 100m sprint.  But when she tested positive for THC after the race, she was disqualified. Like Richardson, several elite athletes have made headlines recently, while the use of marajuana has pretty much been an open secret among the best of the best. But why?  What is the science behind this controversial plant?...

Is a cool down after running really important?  Do you tend to skip your cool down when time is crunched? Coach Claire Bartholic reveals the the four biggest myths about cool downs, because even if you do one religiously, it might not be doing what you think it’s doing. Despite what they don't do for you, there are still some great reasons for incorporating a cool down into your routine after each...

Will running a marathon in high-tech super shoes help you run faster? Nike made huge headlines when they came out with the Vaporfly series in 2017.  Featuring a new kind of foam and a flexible carbon plate, Nike promised that their expensive new shoes would improve a marathoner’s running economy by 4%. With elites and recreational runners doing everything they could to improve by just one percent,...

Do you eat before a run?  Should you?  And what should you eat that will fuel your run the best? Coach Claire Bartholic explores exactly what you should eat before any type of run.  She brings back registered dietician and 2:57 marathoner Meghann Featherstun to explain the science. Coach Claire also gives you meal and snack ideas that you might not have thought of that are quick to grab, easy on y...

Sarah Clem is the director of operations and running coach at CHAARG, an organization dedicated to igniting a passion for movement in college women.   CHAARG stands for Changing Health Attitudes + Actions to Recreate Girls.  They have chapters on 115 university campuses in the US and their mission is to free young women from the elliptical and show them that fitness can (and should!) be fun.  Sara...

The tempo run is a classic workout for runners. But  what does the word "tempo" really mean?  It can mean different things to different runners and can be done at different paces. Coach Claire Bartholic brings on Coach Dylan Belles, fellow RunnersConnect coach and 2:16 marathoner to help explore the science, benefits, and different types of tempos or threshold workouts. They will go over the three...

Imagine having the opportunity to train for one of the top marathons in the world with nearly all the advantages of an elite.  You’d have access to world-famous coaches, have top of the line training gear and tools, and thousands of dollars of free stuff.  When race day comes around, you’d be whisked away to meet your teammates in person, as prepared as humanly possible for the race of your life....

Strength training for runners improves performance and prevents injuries.  But when you love to run, it can be hard to add strength training into your routine, even if you know you should.  The two main benefits of strength training are that it prevents and helps heal injuries, and it enhances performance. Done properly, strength training creates a foundation for injury-free running and allows you...

Aqua jogging, also known as deep water running, is the most running-specific alternative to land running.  By using a flotation belt which keeps you vertical in the water, you can mimic a land-based running workout, with no impact.  It can effectively maintain or even build your fitness if you're injured or if you can't handle the pounding of another day of running. Jennifer Conroyd is a marathon...

Finding the time to get in a run, let alone a warm up can be a challenge at times.  But if you are the kind of runner that thinks a little jogging is all you need to warm up, you're going to want to listen to this. A proper warm up will help you feel better on the run, be less injury prone, and with practice, run better and faster than ever.   And if you are getting ready for a speed day or a race...

In May of 2021, two ultrarunners named David Kilgore and Margot Fleming were invited to a unique event whose only rules are there are no rules and there are no spectators.  In the spirit of Hunter S Thompson’s mind-expanding trip across the desert in the iconic book Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas, The Speed Project is a race from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.  The route is anywhere from 300 to 340 mil...

Many runners are guilty of downplaying their running.  If you've ever said, "I'm not a real runner," or have gotten down about your abilities as a runner, this is for you. We are shifting the negativity about our running on The Run To the Top in this episode and owning up to our true awesomeness!  Learn how to break out of the negative self talk and comparison trap today. *GIVEAWAY ALERT* If you a...