The Running Explained Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Ko, better known online as Kofuzi, to talk about his evolution from everyday runner to one of the most trusted voices in running shoe reviews on YouTube. We dive into the intersection of gear, performance, and personal preference, and how the right shoes can change everything about your running experience. What You'll Learn: How Kofuzi turned his casual runs i...

We’re back with another fantastic re-run featuring the powerhouse herself, exercise physiologist and hybrid athlete Dr. Alyssa Olenick (@doclyssfitness)! Hybrid training isn't just about picking between strength or endurance – it's about embracing BOTH for both health and performance goals. Dr. Olenick breaks down the interference effect, explains the shifting application of training inten...

We're bringing back an amazing re-run episode with Coach Nick Klastava from Season 3, and it's just as relevant and inspiring now as it was then. If you enjoy this episode, check out Nick’s other podcast, Between Two Coaches , which he co-hosts with Coach Amanda Katz (also from Running Explained ). You can find it on all major streaming platforms. Comparison is the thief of joy... so why d...

Dr. Marie Witt is BACK for her fifth time on the podcast (aka the Five-Peat!), and this episode is a little more casual and a whole lot of fun. We’re talking about… well, a little bit of everything: – Gummy bear fueling and why sour candy hits different – What happens when your miles slow way down in the summer heat – Shoes, Hobbiton, Regency costumes, and other delightful detours – The “minimum e...

This week, I'm joined by the one and only Jon Levitt, host of For the Long Run and Long Run Labs, endurance athlete, and resident expert in both running and running-adjacent banter. What starts as a lighthearted chat about favorite running shoes (RIP Pegasus 34), run fuel (blue raspberry forever), and dream races (Tokyo, anyone?) turns into a deeply thoughtful conversation about what it means...

We’re going back to basics—because let’s be honest, most runners are still underfueling! In this special anniversary episode, I’m bringing back the very first guest I ever had on the show: Registered Dietitian and running coach Cortney Berling to talk (again) about RUNNING NUTRITION 101! If you’ve ever wondered… Should I eat before my run? Why? When? What?? How much fuel do I ACTUALLY need during...

This week, I’m joined by a runner who brings a  ton  of insight and real-world experience to the table: Dr. Logan Sherman, sports chiropractor, marathon champion, and chairman of the BMW Dallas Marathon. We get into a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime in performance circles:  SLEEP . Not just “get more of it,” but  why  it matters, what it actually does for your body, how to use it as a...

In this solo episode, I'm FINALLY tackling one of the most important (and least sexy) topics in training: training load. What it is? Why should you care? And how can you make sure you're living in the "juuuuuuust right" zone! Most of us are so focused on paces and mileage (or kms) targets that we miss the bigger picture: how much stress your body is actually experiencing and accu...

What would happen if you decided to just… run around the world? No, seriously. That’s what Marie Leautey did. She’s only the second woman in history to complete a verified World Run—crossing four continents, coast to coast, on foot. She pushed a stroller (not with a baby - important note), slept in a tent, dodged kangaroos, used bear spray in Montana, and somehow didn’t get injured while running o...

This week I’m joined by Jeff Horowitz—"recovering attorney" turned running coach, author of Think Like a Runner , and someone who’s run over 200 marathons (yes, really!). Jeff shares stories from his global racing adventures (including an ultramarathon in Cairo where he was chased by wild dog s), his journey back from a devastating femur fracture, and why he thinks every runner—no matter...

Let’s get back to basics! In this episode, I’m breaking down the three main types of runs you'll see in your training - easy runs, moderate-intensity workouts like tempo or threshold, and high-intensity speed work - and explaining what each one is actually supposed to do for your fitness. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I running this right?”, this one’s for you. Once you understand what each run...

An ankle sprain can put a serious crimp in your style, especially when it happens two days before race day . In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Lauren LaPierre, physical therapist, running coach, and trusted resource for all things injury rehab, to break down what it actually takes to recover from a sprained ankle and get back to running (properly!) In this conversation, Lauren breaks down what a...

Are you making food choices based on science… or on social media? I'm joined by Zoë Rom and Kylee Van Horn, the duo behind the podcast Your Diet Sucks , to unpack the complicated, often confusing world of diet culture in endurance sports. With Zoë’s background in journalism and Kylee’s clinical expertise as a sports dietitian, they team up to challenge the nutrition narratives athletes are con...

Ever wonder how much your running form really matters? In this episode, ultra runner and coach Sam Stow joins me for a deep, honest, and slightly nerdy conversation about the underrated importance of movement efficiency, body awareness, and technique. We dig into why how you move matters just as much as how far or how fast you go—and how the right tweaks to your movement patterns can unlock more e...

In this episode of the Running Explained podcast, I’m breaking down a fascinating new study on mindfulness and running performance—and why I think this is something every runner needs to hear! I’ll walk you through the research (don’t worry, it’s not boring!), explain how mindfulness training actually rewires your brain (hi, neuroplasticity!), and share what this means for your training, racing, a...

In this new episode, I’m joined by Running Explained coaches Nick Klastava & Jessie Gruca as we dive into the realities of traveling to races with your family. We chat about everything from balancing carb-loading with kids’ snack schedules to managing the emotions of either bringing your kids along or leaving them at home. You’ll get practical tips on everything from international race travel...

This week’s episode is a throwback to one of your favorite formats—a good old-fashioned Q&A! But it’s also extra special because I’m officially launching the Running Explained Patreon! 🎉 I break down what the Patreon is, what’s included at each membership level, and how joining directly supports me and the future of the show. After that, we dive into your questions! I’m answering everything f...

In this episode, I’m joined by Alex Parker and Meredith Root, co-owners of Tactic Nutrition—two amazing athletes and coaches who are runners AND... compete in CrossFit, strength training, cycling, and more. They’re here to talk about how embracing your identity as a multi-sport athlete can not only help prevent burnout but also make you a better overall athlete. But it’s not just about doing diffe...

This week on The Running Explained Podcast, we’re talking about a different kind of destination—the kind that comes with epic views, cultural immersion, and no clock in sight. I’m joined by Michael Mazzara, CEO of Rogue Expeditions, who’s on a mission to redefine what it means to run and travel. Michael shares how Rogue Expeditions creates immersive, joy-filled running experiences around the world...

We all know the struggle: you're training hard, you're feeling strong—and then, boom, that injury hits. Whether it’s a sharp pain that stops you dead in your tracks or a lingering ache that just won’t quit, we’ve got you covered in this episode with physical therapist Alyssa Ford, DPT, where we dive into the emotional and physical journey of dealing with running injuries—and how to come ou...

Coach Elisabeth is joined by Kallup McCoy, a running coach, personal trainer, marathoner, Ironman, and founder of RezHOPE, a nonprofit supporting individuals in recovery. Kallup’s incredible story of transformation is a testament to the power of resilience, purpose, and community support. From battling drug addiction at the age of 11 to completing some of the toughest endurance races in the world,...

In this episode, Coach Elisabeth chats with Jason Fitzgerald, the founder of Strength Running , about how much running volume, i.e. how much you in a week, matters for your goals. They tackle the big questions: Can you really race your best on fewer runs? How important is volume for serious performance? What role does cross-training play in your overall training plan? And, spoiler alert— junk mile...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Caila Yates, RD, a registered dietitian with deep expertise in sports nutrition and eating disorders. Together, we dive into one of the most crucial strategies for marathon runners—carb loading—and why it's so important, especially for those eyeing the Boston Marathon! Caila walks us through the science behind carb loading, giving us practical tips to implement it...

In today’s episode, we’re tackling an exciting and empowering topic that every runner can relate to—how to keep chasing your running goals, no matter how the years go by! The fear of running out of time to achieve your biggest dreams is something most of us have felt at some point. But guess what? Time doesn’t have to be a limiting factor—it can be your ally! Whether you’re wondering if you still...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the inspiring and emotional journey of Kate Mihevc Edwards, a runner who turned her love for the sport into a career as a physical therapist specializing in running medicine. But her story isn’t just about the miles she’s logged or the strides she’s taken in her profession—it’s about facing life-changing challenges and finding a new way forward. Kate takes us...