Running Is Life Podcast

Michael Davis is running 200-miles on the Palmetto Trail for a great cause. Hear the reasoning behind this run and what brought Michael to this point in his running. I hope you enjoy our conversation! You can learn more about F3 here:   F3 Nation: Fitness, Fellowship, Faith   You can learn more about Young Life here:   Young Life Northeast Columbia   And more about my run and donation opportunitie...

This is a very in depth conversation with Ben Gan's Crew Chief, Avery Tompkins, and their thoughts ans suggestions for crewing, not only a 200-mile event, but the Triple Crown of 200s. Thank you both for sharing so much!   Race/Crew Planning Templates - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1p3tmFVMpZ9iPp2FOIGoSnLt2f_97ei9ErEcl6FHLChU/edit?usp=sharing Avery mentioned the Black Diamond Moji R+ lig...

In this episode, I chat with another runner I coach named Teresa Bowser. This is a beautiful and inspiring story of melding passion with compassion. Teresa came up with a 100-mile route in Western North Carolina with over 20,000' of vertical gain to create an FKT and raise money for the Girls on the Run organization. She's almost reached her goal! If can donate, please do so here - https://www.got...

Another big episode with lots of show notes!  We start with my interview of Dr Ben Gans and his amazing journey through the Triple Crown of 200s (Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, & Moab 240). We go deep into the challenges he faced in this series of races. I loved this conversation! Then I dive deeper in to the metrics of running and how they can affect your base training period.  Lastly, I interview m...

My goodness what an episode! Ellis and I dive deep into his training, prep, equipment, and all things Moab 240 and his race. What a conversation!  I also dive into training metrics (heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), & pace).  It's another long episode! Enjoy!  Ellis referred to his Fenix Headlamp. I believe this was the one - https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/fenix-hm62-t-he...

This is the 2nd time Mike has been on the podcast. Check out his 1st podcast with me here - https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-69qr9-161c0c4 I enjoyed talking to Mike about what makes him tick and how he got through the Mammoth 200 without crew or pacers. I always enjoy talking to Mike. He is humble and well spoken. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I do.  After our conversation, I dive in...

In this episode, I chat with Rachel Blinn about her 2nd finish in 2 years at the Tor des Geants! We do a deep dive into the race and how she went about getting to the finish line! I also answer another cross country coach's question about doing anaerobic work in a long run. Enjoy! Active warmup - https://youtu.be/hgBB9de1Hdk Aaron's information: My Socials, Channels, & Newsletter: https://www....

Continuing with #'s 14-21 from the article - https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/21-super-effective-habits-of-highly-successful-people/91101433 Ernest Hemingway once wrote: "The hardest lesson I have had to learn as an adult is the relentless need to keep going, no matter how broken I feel inside. This truth is raw, unfiltered, and painfully universal. Life doesn’t stop when we are exhausted, when o...

This episode is based off an article that can be found here - https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/21-super-effective-habits-of-highly-successful-people/91101433   Training for the Uphill Athlete is the book I referred to. Authors Steve House, Scott Johnston, & Kilian Jornet. https://uphillathlete.com/product/training-for-the-uphill-athlete-book/     Misogi - Michael Easter's article titled "What...

I always like to take a song and mix in my own lyrics. To summarize Tor I'd use the song "Where It's At" by Beck. Where it's at! I got 2 broke ribs and a scapula.    In all seriousness, it was amazing, and here is my account...   Aaron's information: My Socials, Channels, & Newsletter: https://www.facebook.com/MRRUNNINGPAINSCOACHING https://www.instagram.com/runningislifecoaching/ https://www....

In this episode, I discuss my gear choices for the Tor de Geants 330k. I have listed all items below with their respective websites for you. I'll post track info on my social channels and Strava in the coming week ahead. I'll be taking a 2 week break form the podcast while in Italy. Once I return, I'll give a full race recap. Thank you for your continued support! -Aaron Aaron's information:  My So...

In this episode I pay tribute to the life of my friend Victor Mariano and talk through my training for the Tor de Geants 330k. Enjoy!   Aaron's information: My Socials, Channels, & Newsletter: https://www.facebook.com/MRRUNNINGPAINSCOACHING https://www.instagram.com/runningislifecoaching/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ6J512qA34z_N0KJSU4jfw https://www.strava.com/athletes/18431982  Email -...

In this Episode, I interview Keagan Saft on his senior season and recruitment process just hours before dropping him off at the University of Portland to begin his Freshman year. Enjoy!   Aaron's information: My Socials, Channels, & Newsletter: https://www.facebook.com/MRRUNNINGPAINSCOACHING https://www.instagram.com/runningislifecoaching/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ6J512qA34z_N0KJSU4j...

Here is my latest adventure...The Art Loeb Out-n-Back run. Enjoy the episode! The Art Loeb Trail Route - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/art-loeb-trail--2 Rab Phantom Raincoat - https://rab.equipment/us/mens-phantom-waterproof-jacket?srsltid=AfmBOoquXxrCehdVKIVRaGs5PTeFawcbJMQjQuJoeUP_minYcnAO3qh8 Book - Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter - https://eastermichael.com/book/ Science I...

Hi everyone! Thanks to your questions & comments, there is a lot in this episode! So many topics and things to discuss. From summer training reminders, to the new discussion on the merit of zone 2 training, to talk about Tor de Geants and gear reviews. I hope you learn something and enjoy!    Resources: 1. My episode on HRV - https://runningislifepodcast.podbean.com/e/should-we-use-hrv-as-a-pr...

Hi everyone! I missed this! It feels liberating to record again; even if it's on a tough subject.  In this episode, I discuss my build and race at Western States. As always, it's emotional, so forgive me for being open and honest! I look forward to sharing again. If you have anything you want to hear about, please, let me know! Enjoy! Aaron's information: My Socials, Channels, & Newsletter: ht...

I am going to step away from podcasting. Is it permanent? I don’t know for sure. I continue to want to share things I learn and give back to the community that has given me so much.  I will continue to do so through my coaching. Both High School and adults. I’m always here if you need me! Thank you for being a part of this journey! Running is Life! -Coach Aaron Saft   Aaron's information:   My Soc...

What does your music playlist do for you? Does it move you, motivate you, calm you? It should do all of these and more. This episode dives into my thoughts behind a powerful music playlist.  Resources: Book - "States The Places We Run" eBook - https://historyexp.org/states-the-places-we-run-ebook/ Video - Seven Nation Army / Rockin'1000 That's Live Official - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaEsni...

What a great book. "The Norwegian Method" by Brad Culp is not an instruction manual. It does not having training plans. It describes how the Norwegian's are using science to better their training. To understand the principles of what they are doing to make them such great athletes. In this episode, I will discuss some of my takeaways. Resources: Strength Running Podcast w/ Brad Culp - https://stre...

Can you do workouts? Can you run lots of miles? Should you do either? We'll discuss in this episode. Books I refer to: The Norwegian Method by Brad Culp Training Lactate Pulse-Rate by Peter G.J.M. Janssen Scientific Training for Endurance Athletes by Philip Friere Skiba DO, PHD States - The Places We Run by Bob Crowley, Hal Hall, & Tim Twietmeyer The Examined Run by Sabrina B. Little The Essen...

I've learned a lot this year, and from reading and observation, there's one thing I'd like to share and that's making sure your workout intervals are long enough to provide the stimulus to help your fitness. Have a listen to hear more... Resources: 1. Alex Hutchison article on VO2 max Testing - When VO2 Max isn't max - https://sweatscience.com/when-vo2max-isnt-max/ 2. Runner Rising Podcast w/ me a...

Here are the things that have me excited to try/use in 2025: FlipBelt & Light - https://flipbelt.com/products/running-light Petzl Swift RL reactive lighting (update) - https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/Headlamps/SWIFT-RL Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra Trail - https://www.adidas.com/us/terrex-agravic-speed-ultra-trail-running-shoes/IF6594.html Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket - https://...

With 2 tickets in the lottery, I was shocked to hav my name pulled to race Western States in June of 2025. But a plan is beginning to formulate. This episode describes the outline.    Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife My Socials, Channels, & Newsletter: https://www.facebook.com/MRRUNNINGPAINSCOACHING...

In this episode, I reflect on my coaching philosophy and how I coach. Is my philosophy still in line with my values & principles? How have I changed my coaching? And how do I hope to move forward. Here are my written thoughts - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_DRGhm_JSC4KYShIp2JDBe02JCQkeOR3lWa_j2_U4FU/edit?usp=sharing Here is the Year End Evaluation Form - https://docs.google.com/document...

In this episode, I go through my long term plan, execution, & analysis of the the 2024 West Henderson High School Cross Country Season.  Here is a link to the YouTube video I reference - https://youtu.be/_PIQixt0cng Here is the link to the overview sheet I reference throughout the video - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_WaDbbiqxcUiJDYTOsoZrX5fIlWuinPUq6Y26l26Jqs/edit?usp=sharing Pleas...