RunnersConnect Run to the Top Podcast

Should runners be practicing their form?  Running is one of the few sports that we typically spend all our time training but not practicing. But running is a highly skilled movement, and while there is no perfect running form, should we look to optimize form to boost performance and reduce injuries?  Here to answer all these questions and provide a masterclass on the subject is Doug Adams Doug is...

It’s that time of year again when most runners are starting the real meat of their training plan. The summer has started, you’ve had your few weeks of building back into a plan, and now the real work begins. At RunnersConnect, we work with hundreds of runners each season and one of the big benefits of that is how much data we’re able to see every year. We’re able to see huge patterns across what t...

I know I am often guilty of not wanting to warm-up like I know I should. Sometimes it feels like “just another thing” I need to do, especially when everything is feeling good. But, what always helps me step back and focus on warming up, even when I don’t want to, is thinking back to the scientific understanding of why it’s so critical and just exactly how much it can help decrease injuries. So, in...

Chat GPT been hailed as a game-changer for many industries, but what about for your running training? In this week’s Coach Chat episode, Coach Michael and Coach Andie take on Chat GPT and break down their responses.  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Faceboo...

GPS watches are an essential tool in the toolkit of runners everywhere.  But have you ever stopped to consider whether you understand the ins and outs of the technology at your disposal? Have you ever wondered about the utility of watch metrics like running dynamics, performance condition, or intensity minutes? Do you ever feel like you may have too many features and too much data to wade through?...

Now that memorial day is behind us, it’s time to kick summer training into full gear! Most normal people think of the beach, bbqs and pools when they think of summer, but us runners know summer is really about the long runs and grueling workouts that fortify us for a fall of new personal bests. With that in mind, in today’s episode our coaching staff, both current and former, are going to answer s...

How many times have you finished a race and thought “I could have pushed harder”? If you’re anything like me, then this likely happens to you quite often. But, one thing I learned from interviewing some of the best runners in the world is that you can actually train your mind, just like your body, to overcome your brain telling you to slow down and learn how to better push your physical limits. To...

What age were you when you first started running? I’m guessing you were over 18 - and likely over 30, 40 or even 50. And unfortunately, as you may have well experienced, there’s something so much harder about starting when you’re older. So many more obstacles, worries, and challenges that your running peers who started earlier in life never had to deal with.  In today’s episode, Coach Jeff is goin...

Are you a runner that has suffered from hip-related injuries, weakness, or mobility issues? Do you suspect it’s having a negative impact on your training?  Well, you are in luck because in this episode runner rehab specialist Dr. Lauren LaPierre returns to the podcast to discuss all things hip strengthening. Specifically, we discuss: warning signs or symptoms of hip dysfunction common causes of hi...

There’s a lot to be said about the benefits of quick and easy online logs like strava, but is it possible you’re missing out by not keeping a hand-written log as well? Coach Ruiari and Dylan think so and in today’s episode they’re going to discuss why exactly they think hand-written logs can be such a beneficial tool to improve your running. Some of the benefits they discuss are… The ability to ea...

Setting realistic goals is perhaps one of the most important pieces of starting out your training on the right foot and one of the most common reasons we see runners struggle with their training. So, today we’ll be hearing from  Dr. Grayson Kimball, a Sport Psychology Consultant in the Boston area who is also a big runner himself. In this episode, you’ll learn… How to know if your goals are realis...

With the main portion of the spring racing season completed, many of you are likely pondering what you should do next. So, today our current and past coaching team are going to answer some listener questions about what to do after your race. Here’s what you’ll learn… Why you need to have a period of recovery after a marathon (and how to do it properly) How to deal with muscle soreness after races...

Today we’re lucky enough to have our very own Coach Jeff on the show to talk about the importance of macronutrients and how ensuring you have the right mix can help you hit your performance and nutrition goals. You’ll learn… The role of each macronutrient and why each is critical to performance and health The optimal ratio of macronutrients to hit your goals How you should adjust these macros base...

How much should you trust your GPS watch?  In this week's coaches chat, coaches Michael and Andy dig into GPS watches and cover some of the most common questions and concerns we see as coaches, plus metrics we recommend tracking.  They’ll discuss… Why GPS watches may not always be accurate, especially on trails or dirt roads. Why certified marathon courses are more accurate than GPS watches. Under...

On this episode of RunnersConnect, we explore various ways to improve running form and prevent injuries.  Our expert guest, Jay Dicharry, shares insights from his experience analyzing running patterns and addressing injuries as a physical therapist.  Jay’s going to discuss the most common issues we see when it comes to running form and injury, including the two most usual culprits of poor form and...

Is the fatigue you’re feeling overtraining or just the normal fatigue we should all expect when training hard? It’s a question that will drive runners crazy. In today’s episode, we’re going to delve deep and give you some actual measurable data you can use to tell the difference. You’ll learn… The difference between normal training fatigue and overtraining Why training fatigued is sometimes okay (...

How can the average athlete relate to some of the best runners in the world? What insights can be gained? And in what ways are we more similar than different?  These are just a few of the questions addressed in this episode of Run To The Top.  We host author Sarah Gearhart who’s recently published book titled “We Share The Sun” takes readers behind the scenes and into the lives of some of the worl...

In today’s episode, Coach Jeff Gaudette is going to be answering listener questions we’ve received over the last few weeks from our fans just like you.  We’ve got some great questions, covering everything from how to determine if you can run through an injury or not, how to approach marathon long runs and post run nutrition.  Plus, if you stick around until the end, Coach Jeff delivers some intere...

On this episode of RunnersConnect, sport psychologist Dr. Stan Beecham explains how our own thinking can often get in the way of our ability to perform at our best, especially as runners.  You’ll learn why he thinks we need to… Learn the importance of difficult tasks and making conscious decisions to prioritize long-term results over short-term satisfaction. Be conscious of your thinking: It's imp...

The half marathon is one of the most underrated distances you can train for and race.  Not only is it a good stepping stone in volume for newer runners, but it’s a great way to mix up training for more advanced runners. In today’s episode, Coach Ruiari and Coach Dylan are going to talk about… Why moving up or down to the half marathon distance can help you combine speed and strength training.  Why...

Are you currently in an injury cycle you can’t seem to break out of?  Well, so is Dean Schmidt and on today’s training plan rescue we’re going to take a deep dive into Dean’s plan to uncover why this is happening and give him a 3-step plan to break out of the injury rut and get back to healthy training. We’ll go in-depth on… Why you should avoid racing for the next 6-8 months The problem with inte...

Are you ready for the big spring races like the Boston and London Marathons?  In this podcast episode, we dive into two key factors for your race day success: tapering and determining your race pace.  📉 We’ll discuss why we recommend a three-week taper with a 85-90% mileage reduction three weeks out and a 70-75% reduction two weeks out from a marathon.  🏃‍♂️ You’ll learn why it’s important to ma...

Tapering is one of the most difficult mental challenges we face as runners when targeting a big goal race. We’ve put in weeks and months of hard training and sacrificed a lot to try and get ourselves in our best racing shape and yet everything could come crashing down in the final two to three weeks if we’re not careful. Add in the fear of the reduced mileage and workouts ruining our fitness plus...

Have you ever wanted to peek inside the training and the mind of an elite runner? What does their training look like? Do they have the same ups and downs? What goes through their mind during workouts and throughout the week? This week our very own coach, Alex Ostberg, peels back the curtain on his most recent week of training to run xxxx.   In addition to getting the details and “why” of his worko...

Have you thought about what the long game looks like for your running? You know, like what you can do right now in order to log enjoyable miles and even race well into your 70s, 80s, and dare I say 90s?  If not, this episode is for you. Kelly and Juliet Starrett join Run To the Top to discuss some of the latest runner mobility insights from new book “Built To Move” . Specifically, we cover: Easy m...