Nike Running’s Global Head Coach Chris Bennett on Good Coaching, Community, & More
Release Date: 06/13/2024
The Strength Running Podcast
How much protein do you actually need, and how should you get it? Claire Shorenstein (MS, RD, CSSD) is a board-certified sports dietitian with over a decade of experience working with teenage and adult athletes from the recreational to elite level. Claire is a longtime distance runner herself and hosts The Eat for Endurance Podcast. We talk about: How protein needs have been rising for athletes and what that may mean for you The factors that influence individual nutrition and why RDA isn't everything Protein's impact while injured or recovering Why you need to...
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Wish you could ask a coach about injury risk, building back fitness after illness, common training errors, and more? I collected popular running questions from our and am answering these questions: What exactly is supercompensation? How can you build back your fitness after getting sick? What are some pitfalls and traps around beginner runner progressions? Should I count myself as a novice or more advanced runner? Is there any benefit for longer duration of the same mileage between two runners? When in a weekly schedule is a good day to do specific strength training? What are examples of...
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What drives us as humans to push our physical and mental limits in endurance events? Michael Crawley is a 2:20 marathoner, professor of anthropology at Durham University, and author of the new book We talk about: The collective nature of running culture Why we voluntarily sign up for exhausting endurance activities An evolutionary perspective on running Technology's role in modern running Incorporating endurance into daily life How Michael's personal endurance approach has changed through his book research Send this episode to your running friend who's also a history or culture nerd,...
info_outline Double Threshold, High Volume, & Lactate: Exploring the Norwegian Method with Brad CulpThe Strength Running Podcast
It's a common misconception that the Norwegian Method is just running double threshold workouts. Brad Culp is a sports journalist, endurance athlete, and author of the fascinating new book, We dug into Brad's knowledge of the training principles behind the Norwegian Method: lactate threshold, lactate testing, a focus on low intensity and high volume, heat training, altitude, and more. We talk about: The nuance behind the Norwegian Method and what it actually entails The role of lactate and lactate testing in the Norwegian Method High volume training and Zone 1 running The difference between...
info_outline Becs Gentry: How this Peloton Instructor and 2:32 Marathoner is Running the Great World RaceThe Strength Running Podcast
If you had the chance, would you sign up to run 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 different continents? Becs Gentry is a popular One Peloton instructor, the 4th place finisher at the 2021 UK Olympic Trials, a former Nike Run Club Coach, and a 2:32:01 marathoner. She’s getting ready to start the Great World Race on November 15, 2024. We talk about: Whether Becs expects more challenges physically or logistically How Becs intends to approach each of the 7 days The recovery strategies Becs will implement throughout the week Expected challenges of the Antarctica marathon Becs’ goals for the weeklong...
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"Tissue tolerance" might be a hard term for the average runner to define. But it could also be how you prevent your next big running injury. Phil Batterson, PhD, is a former competitive runner with a background in human bioenergetics. As the founder of Critical Oxygen, he gives athletes and coaches knowledge, testing, and coaching to optimize their physiology and maximize endurance performance. We talk about: How pliability, range of motion, and mobility affect tissue tolerance The impact of shock on the body while running Approaching training with injury prevention in mind Strength training...
info_outline The New Rules of Carb Loading with Sport Scientist Jonah RosnerThe Strength Running Podcast
You might give carb loading a quick thought in your taper, but are you actually looking at the current science to make it effective? Jonah Rosner is an applied sport scientist who spent the past 10 years working with athletes and teams from all major American Professional Team sports. Jonah is a running coach and a certified strength and conditioning specialist who uses the latest sport science technology to individualize running programs. Jonah was also the sport scientist on hand during a recent fitness retreat where I had my VO2 Max measured. We talk about: The old vs. new recommendations...
info_outline Marathon Volume, Injuries, and Tune-up Races with 2:25 Marathoner Laura ThweattThe Strength Running Podcast
From poor tune-up races to switching up nutrition, pro runners face the same lessons more casual runners do. Laura Thweatt is a 2:25 marathoner, professional runner for Saucony, and former US cross country champion. She placed 5th in the 10k at the 2016 Olympic Trials and 5th in the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. We talk about: The emotions before a goal race and working with a sports psychologist during a taper Using a training journal to calm pre-race nerves and boost confidence Injury management with high mileage Handling a bad tune-up race Laura’s goals and strategies for the Chicago...
info_outline Are Super Shoes Unethical? Philosopher Sabrina Little on the Fairness of Super ShoesThe Strength Running Podcast
Do super shoes give runners who use them an unfair advantage? Do they make it impossible to compare modern finish times with earlier performances? Sabrina Little is a trail and ultra runner, formerly a professional runner for HOKA. She has won 5 national titles and a World silver medal, she previously held American records in the 24-hour and 200K, and she was 2013 USATF Ultrarunner of the Year. Sabrina earned her doctorate in Philosophy and teaches ethics at Christopher Newport University. We talk about: The ethical concerns of super shoes Sabrina’s lack of satisfaction post-5k due to...
info_outline Gait Analysis Masterclass: Form Problems & Solutions with Jessica Wulke, DPTThe Strength Running Podcast
Want to run faster with fewer injuries? Take a look at your gait. Jessica Wulke is a dual board-certified specialist physical therapist in orthopedics and sports. She has extensive experience treating professional athletes and continues to treat athletes in the NFL and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Jessica was the leading gait analysis and running injury therapist at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation. We talk about: The basics of gait analysis for runners Common issues that gait analysis can identify, like hip and core weaknesses Hip drop, crossover gait, and foot...
info_outlineChris Bennett is the Nike Running Global Head Coach and Senior Director Nike Global Running. Translation: Chris is an absolute powerhouse of a coach and runner.
I got to chat with Chris about his role at Nike, how runners approach the sport from a variety of angles, what often prevents us from achieving our goals, his message to every runner in the world if he had the opportunity to speak to the global running population, and so much more.
In this episode, Chris and I talk about:
- The multifaceted nature of coaching (it's not just creating workouts).
- Don't overcomplicate running; it can be simple and accessible.
- How runners' motivations have shifted from performance-driven to stress relief and mental wellness.
- How all runners can explore the sport beyond just competition and time.
- The growth of running and its perception as a competitive sport.
- You need more than just time goals.
- Common obstacles to consistent and effective running training.
- Adjusting training plans based on the athlete's needs and self-awareness.
- Don't rely on a coach entirely; listen to your body and mind-- and speak up!
- Self-sabotaging by "doing" too much without enough recovery.
- Running with the legendary Joan Benoit Samson.
Send this episode to anyone who could use more play and exploration in their running goals.
Links & Resources from the Show:
- Chris Bennett on Substack
- The Nike Running App
- Chris's Podcast, Coach Bennett's Podcast
- Chris on Instagram
- Chris on TikTok
- Chris on Threads
- Get a plan for your next PR
- Get the free injury prevention email series.
Thank you Previnex!
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Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do.
Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex!
Thanks to The Performance Training Journal!
The Performance Training Journal is now available on Amazon and debuted as the #4 new release in the running category. Since I started running in 1998, I’ve kept a hardcopy training journal. Holding a tangible log, writing in it daily, and reflecting on the ups and downs of running is a surefire way to improve.
This hardcopy training journal helps you focus on the training metrics that matter, prioritizes a long-term outlook so you don’t take any shortcuts, and maintains your motivation with strategic self-praise. With a no-frills, functional design, the Performance Training Journal includes coaching advice on racing, injury prevention, strength training, and more. It will guide you through race scheduling, how to plan your race morning, the best workouts for endurance runners, and encourage you to track your personal bests over time.
You have the space to make this journal your own whether you're a new runner or a professional, a trail or road runner, or a mid-distance specialist or ultra marathoner. So don't just track your running, learn from it with the Performance Training Journal! Check it out today on Amazon.