The XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Four state champions, four distinct paths, one honest conversation about what it really takes to get faster, stay healthy, and choose the right next step. We bring Lili, McKenna, Marissa, and Piper together to go beyond highlight reels and talk through the decisions, data, and doubts that shape a young distance runner’s future. From the moment Lili knew Texas felt like home to the...

Send us Fan Mail As the indoor track season draws to a close, our athletes at XLR8 Performance Lab have left their marks on the record books. Join us for a recap of these monumental moments, including Addi Dorenkamp's record-smashing performance and Tommy Hensley's double victory. But it's not just about the wins; we're also peeling back the curtain on the transition our athlet...

Send us Fan Mail Is your endurance training really pushing you towards peak performance or just pushing you towards a plateau? Prepare to have your training beliefs tested as I, Ben Tilus, cut through the noise surrounding long slow distance (LSD) running. This episode isn't just another running commentary; it's a deep dive into why the one-size-fits-all approach to distance running migh...

Send us Fan Mail In this  episode, we dive into the world of ultramarathon racing with Elov Olsson, a Swedish sensation in the running community. Elov's story is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of human endurance. Elov Olsson recently made headlines by breaking records at the Tunnel Hill 100 Mile race, one of the most challenging ultramarathons i...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Fueling Athlete Success with Mike Gettemy's Coaching Revolution In this inspiring episode of The XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast, we sit down with Mike Gettemy, a dedicated physical education teacher and accomplished coach at Ankeny Centennial High School. Mike's journey into the world of coaching began years ago, leading cross country and track teams, and guiding athlet...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Austin O'Brien, a semi-pro runner for Runablaze Iowa and certified mental performance coach. Austin's remarkable journey from an all-America college athlete to a dream of making it to the Olympic Trials is nothing short of extraordinary. We delve into Austin's story, which began with an unexpected transition from professio...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast, we dive deep into the world of mindset and performance with an athlete who's seen remarkable growth in their running journey. Join us as we sit down with Matthew Schaul, a standout runner from a small 1A school who's recently emerged onto the Iowa running scene. Matthew's story is not just about physical training;...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this insightful episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast as we sit down with Jackson Mace-Maynard, a talented athlete whose journey from high school star to college athlete is filled with twists and turns. Jackson's story is one of resilience, tough decisions, and unwavering determination. As a high school junior, Jackson's breakout race left a lasting impr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the XLR8 Alumni series, we have the privilege of sitting down with Hayden Kuhn. Hayden's story is a testament to the incredible potential of student-athletes when they receive the right guidance and training. As a sophomore at the University of Iowa, Hayden has already achieved impressive results, boasting a 10K time that ranks among the university's a...

Send us Fan Mail Athlete Breakdown: Maya Bergstrom | Progressive Threshold  In this episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast, join us as we unravel the intriguing world of progressive threshold training with Maya Bergstrom. Host Riley Witt sits down with Maya to dive deep into the science and strategy behind progressive threshold. Maya, an accomplished runner and XLR8 athlete, takes us on a jou...

Send us Fan Mail Shaylyn DeYoung: Coaching for Success With Swim, Cycle, Run, and Triathlon In this episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast, we dive into the world of multisport coaching with our very own Shaylyn DeYoung, XLR8's expert coach in swimming, cycling, adult running, and triathlon. Shaylyn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our coaching team, and she's here to...

Send us Fan Mail In this exciting episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast, join hosts Ben Tilus and Riley Witt as they unveil the latest developments in the world of athletic excellence at XLR8. First, they introduce XLR8's newest addition, Coach Shaylyn DeYoung. Dive into the dynamic world of adult coaching as Coach Shaylyn takes the reins of XLR8's 5K and 10K Turkey Trot Training p...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the "XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast," we delve into the fascinating world of precision training with none other than Collin Houg. We explore the meticulous methods Ben employs in his workouts to maximize his performance and make up for lost time. From meticulously structured workouts to data-driven insights, Collin shares the secrets behind his consisten...

Send us Fan Mail Athlete Breakdown: Landon Bendgen | Guide to Tempo Runs Tempo runs are a vital component of any runner's training regimen, but mastering them can be a daunting task. We break down the intricacies of tempo running, providing valuable insights, strategies, and tips to help runners of all levels harness its power. While simultaneously diving into Landon's backstory to succe...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this exciting episode as we dive deep into the world of endurance training with XLR8 athlete Claire Helmers. Claire has been on an incredible journey, absolutely destroying her junior cross-country season braking 17 on just about any course she wants. In the middle of this podcast, we take a scientific detour to explore the principles of the Norwegian Training Method. T...

Send us Fan Mail In this compelling episode, we venture into the world of athletic performance testing with Tommy Hensley. Join us as we unveil the intricacies of Tommy's remarkable journey towards athletic excellence, and discover what the testing process truly entails. Tommy shares his unique story, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and relentless dedication that have shaped him i...

Send us Fan Mail In this enlightening episode, we're delving into the world of strategic running and performance enhancement once again. This time, our focus is on Charlie Bennett, as we explore strategies to boost his 5K performance and enhance his running prowess. I (Riley Witt) take you through a comprehensive breakdown of actionable insights that can help Charlie optimize his fat metaboli...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the world of running strategy and tactics. Specifically, we're focusing on how Abel Squires can elevate his 5K performance by strategically targeting his anaerobic capacity and reducing his VLA max. Drawing from a wealth of expertise, I (Riley Witt) break down actionable insights on how Abel can fine-tune his training regime...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, titled "Resilience Redefined: Maddie Block's Unwavering Spirit," we dive deep into the inspiring narrative of a young athlete who transformed setbacks into stepping stones on her path to greatness. Maddie's story is a testament to the incredible power of determination and persistence. Starting from a place where state championships and major me...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an electrifying episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab podcast as we dive into the incredible running journey of Cailie Logue, a true powerhouse in the sport. In this captivating conversation titled "Making History: The Cailie Logue Legacy" we unravel the story of an exceptional athlete who has left an indelible mark on the track and cross-country courses. Repre...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on an inspiring episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab podcast as we dive into the incredible journey of Kiki Connell, a standout runner with an unwavering passion for the sport. In this captivating conversation titled "From Talent to Triumph: Unveiling Kiki Connell's Inspiring Running Journey," we unravel the story of a remarkable athlete who has risen to prom...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on the XLR8 Performance Lab podcast for an empowering episode as we delve into the extraordinary journey of Addison Dorenkamp, a true symbol of resilience and triumph. In this thought-provoking conversation titled "From Doubt to Dominance: Addison Dorenkamp's Path to Overcoming Mental Challenges in Running," we uncover the inspiring story of a remarkable ath...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a riveting episode of [Your Podcast Name] as we delve into the inspiring legacy of Paityn Noe, an extraordinary high school runner hailing from Iowa. In this captivating exploration titled "A Class of Her Own: Paityn Noe's Legacy as Iowa's High School Running Legend," we uncover the awe-inspiring journey of a young athlete who has carved her name in...

Send us Fan Mail In this exhilarating episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab podcast, join host Riley Witt as he delves into the extraordinary journey of Chase Lauman. Titled "The Pursuit of Excellence: The Rise of Chase Lauman," this episode takes you on an inspiring exploration of the mindset, training, and achievements that have propelled Chase to the pinnacle of the Iowa running world....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The XLR8 Podcast, join host Riley Witt as he sits down with Ben Tilus, the owner of XLR8 Performance Lab, a renowned coaching service for high school runners. Titled "A Look Back: 2023 State Recap With Ben Tilus," this episode takes listeners on a retrospective journey through the recent Iowa State Meet and the exceptional accomplishments of XLR8 athle...