The Elevate Your Running Podcast

In this episode, we cover: The "Good Hard" vs. "Bad Hard" Test: How to instantly know when to push through a tough mile and when to stop a run to prevent a minor niggle from becoming a major injury. Mastering the Talk Test: Learn to use conversation as your most reliable, objective metric for ensuring your Easy Runs are truly easy—the non-negotiable key to building endurance. T...

Every runner wants to get faster, but what if the pursuit of speed is actually slowing you down? In this essential episode, Coach Sara kicks off the Running Skill Sets series by exploring the transformative power of Patience. We'll dive into: Why the body needs a long view to adapt to training stress. The connection between rushing and your most frequent running injuries. Why rushing training and...

Coach Sara reflects on her experience at the 2025 Chicago Marathon—sharing what’s changed since her last race three years ago. She dives into her race strategy, mindset, and how her body held up over 26.2 miles, and gives a glimpse of what’s next. Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube Music Connect with us: elevateyourrunning.com Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy The Elevate Coa...

Don't just run your next marathon— master  it. Even after seven successful finishes, a coach is always learning! Join me as I reveal the  top three crucial adjustments  I'm making to my training and race day plan for my eighth marathon. Listen in to discover how to shift your race day from simply surviving to  truly thriving  on race day!  Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  Yo...

Hailey is back on the podcast this week sharing her most recent adventure, completing the Imogene Pass Race from Ouray to Telluride, Colorado ~ over 16 miles above 8.000 feet. She shares her experience, how she prepared for the race, why she took a break from road racing and what's next! This is an episode not to miss!  Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  Youtube Music Connect with us:...

You're in peak shape, but the mental doubts are starting to creep in. I know the feeling. On this week's episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on how I've built unshakeable  confidence and momentum  in my own training. I'll share three key strategies I've learned over the past few years that have helped me overcome plateaus and chase down my biggest goals. Thank you to our sponsors:  PR Labs : PR...

This week, we're sitting down with Stephanie Dyer, a true Grand Master's Runner who has completed over 30 marathons across three decades . Age hasn't slowed her down—in fact, she's only gotten better with time! In this episode, Stephanie shares her best advice on how to maintain longevity in the sport , cultivate a strong and positive mindset , and get faster as you get older. Abou...

Whether it's your first or thirteenth travel race, this podcast episode highlights all the things to consider when traveling racing! Is Travel Racing Right for You? Pre-Race Preparation, Travel Check-list, Travel Day Considerations+ more! Thank you to our sponsors:  PR Labs : PR Recovery Lab is here for you! Do you need that added boost of recovery to take your training to the next level? PR Labs...

This week's episode is a bit different - this is a replay from Dr. Duane Scotti's podcast, The Healthy Runner Podcast. We discuss the top 5 recovery essentials that every aging runner needs to show up happy, strong, and recovered while chasing big goals. Enjoy!  Dr. Duane Scotti , DPT, PhD, OCS is a running physical therapist, run coach, host of the Healthy Runner podcast, and founder of  Spark He...

Carrie Jackson is a mental skills training coach. She is the co-author of Rebound and the co-host of the Injured Athletes Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the mindset of an anxious athlete and how it presents itself on the start line. Struggling with race day nerves? Join us as I connect with Carrie Jackson about practical strategies to conquer pre-race anxiety and run your best race yet! Le...

Ever feel like you're not doing enough to prepare for your next race? In this episode, we flip the script on undertraining . Instead of seeing it as a failure, we explore how strategic undertraining can be your secret weapon. Join me as we discuss why a slightly less-than-perfect training cycle can lead to a stronger, healthier body and a sharper mind on race day. You'll learn why being 10...

Welcome to the August Elevate Your Running Team Call! I thought it would be fun to include you in our team call, and gain the same expertise as the Elevate athletes receive each month with our team discussion.   This month, Kristy Baumann joins us to discuss the importance of fueling well to make you feel like it’s your superpower.  We discuss:  Why you might be gaining weight in training, and sti...

Running looked a lot different in 2005 when I started my running journey. In this week’s episode, I share practical suggestions and tips on what I would do and buy if I were starting over my running journey in 2025! This is a fun one, I hope you enjoy it. Thank you to our sponsors:  PR Labs : PR Recovery Lab is here for you! Do you need that added boost of recovery to take your training to the nex...

Fellow running coach Merilee Navarre is on the podcast this week to discuss the hot topic of running with confidence in an era of social media saturation and influencer culture. We'll dive into how to filter the noise, trust your unique journey, and find your stride without falling prey to comparison or unrealistic expectations. Tune in to learn practical strategies for a healthier, happier re...

In this must-listen episode, your host Coach Sara Manderscheid sits down with physical therapist and run coach Dr. Duane Scotti, founder of Spark Healthy Runner , to explore how to make running a sustainable, lifelong pursuit. A leading expert in injury prevention for runners, Dr. Scotti shares his top strategies for adapting your training as you age, building a resilient body with strength and pl...

In this episode, we're diving deep into Personalizing Your Pace: How to Adjust Training for Life’s Demands. Forget the myth of the "perfect" training plan. We'll explore why flexibility isn't a weakness, but your greatest strength in staying consistent, preventing burnout, and avoiding injury. Tune in to discover practical strategies for: Honest Self-Assessment: Learn how to...

Hey, fellow runners! In this episode, we're lacing up to tackle some of the most persistent marathon myths that just won't quit. As a running coach, I've heard them all, and today we're setting the record straight. Are you still clinging to what you think is the norm and it’s holding your training back? We're diving deep into five common "myths" that simply don't...

With Faith Kipyegon setting a new mile PR for her, and for females in the sport, it begs the question: How can you get the most out of yourself? I break down Faith’s breaking 4 attempt and the three key lessons I learned from an incredibly inspiring mile race and how you can get the most out of your running (and yourself). Do you want to run a FUN fall race?! New course profiles in 2025 will give...

Ever wonder what sets pro runners apart? In this episode, we break down the key lessons we can all learn from the elites. We dive into the critical roles of strategy, dedicated strength training, unwavering consistency, and smart recovery in reaching your running potential. Tune in and elevate your game! Do you want to run a FUN fall race?! New course profiles in 2025 will give way to a faster tim...

Welcome to the podcast! In today's episode, we're diving deep into three core running topics that are constantly talked about online, yet their true importance often gets lost in translation. I sat down with fellow running coach, Nick Klastava, to peel back the layers and remind ourselves why these foundational elements are crucial for every runner, from beginner to seasoned marathoner. We...

In this episode of Elevate Your Running, we welcome Kylie Mantz, a runner whose path to collegiate and elite performance is truly one-of-a-kind. Married to Olympic Marathon Trials champion Conner Mantz, Kylie shares how his dedication sparked her own interest in the sport, leading her to uncover a surprising innate talent. We'll explore the invaluable insights gained from living and learning with...

This is a fun episode! This week, Coach Amber share their current training updates, why heat acclimation is so important for a strong Fall season and the pacing tactics Nell Rojas used with Sara in the Bolder Boulder 10k a few weeks ago!  Do you want to run a FUN fall race?! New course profiles in 2025 will give way to a faster time! Boulderthon is the premier Colorado race experience, rated Top 1...

That final surge of speed as you approach the finish line – "the kick" – can be the ultimate game-changer in a race. But it's more than just grit; it's a skill honed through smart training. Join us this week as we dissect the physiological underpinnings of a powerful kick and provide actionablestrategies to train for it. We'll explore the crucial role of speed work, the strength-building benefits...

Julia joins the podcast and shares her inspiring marathon journey of overcoming the odds of cancelled races to find a breakthrough in the marathon!  Julia shares how her why fueled her during sub zero temps, running the most miles ever in a marathon build.  She shares how she found the confidence to run a breakthrough half and then breakthrough marathon, after massive ice storms disrupted her tape...

Ever wonder what it takes to reach the top in different athletic disciplines? Join us for an inspiring conversation with the remarkable Fisher siblings: Hailey, a force in the half-marathon and endurance running; Grant, a champion in the world of mid-distance racing; and Mark, a professional competitor in soccer. In this episode, we delve into the Fisher childhood, exploring the atmosphere surroun...