The Strength Running Podcast
Coach Jason Fitzgerald shares running advice for new and veteran runners who are passionate about getting stronger, preventing running injuries, and racing faster. Featuring guests like Olympians Nick Symmonds and Shalane Flanagan, best-selling authors Alex Hutchinson and Matt Fitzgerald, and other Physical Therapists, Sports Psychologists, and Coaches. You’ll learn what it takes to run fast, stay healthy, and become a better runner with practical no-nonsense advice.
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180. Pro Dana Giordano on Betting on Yourself, Taking Risks, and Making Running More Fun
02/25/2021
180. Pro Dana Giordano on Betting on Yourself, Taking Risks, and Making Running More Fun
Dana Giordano is a middle-distance pro runner for Adidas and the . Prior to becoming a pro, she worked at Reebok for several years as a Product Manager, while keeping up with running as a lifestyle sport. She was also an All-American at Dartmouth University and reflects often on those years of running. Dana has had an interesting year as a pro, given the global pandemic that we are all facing. Her impact goes well beyond her performance, as the host of the podcast, where she features stories of women in the sport. Dana left her job in pursuit of her Olympic dreams and shares the many challenges that she has overcome and continues to deal with. In this episode, we talk about: Dana's journey from collegiate runner to pro The life on an underdog elite runner Training through cold, snowy winters Mental skills and mindset to overcome setbacks How to keep running fun Dana's overall humble perspectives and down-to-earth approach makes this conversation very accessible to all runners. I hope you'll come away with a new look at the life of a pro runner and how you can achieve more in this sport as well. Links & Resources from the Show: Dana's and Check out Children's book: Thank you to our newest sponsor, , who's offering 20% off with code 'SR' at checkout! I was introduced to this company a few months ago and have been impressed with the quality of the shorts and shirt that I’ve been wearing. They have a patented knitting technology that keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It has even been used in Death Valley races, so you know the heat dissipation is excellent. The 3-dimensional knitting of the fabric is very comfortable and versatile because there aren’t any seams so the risk of chafing, blisters, or hot spots is a lot lower. I’m also loving that they have powerful anti-odor properties. They use both copper and a synthetic treatment to reduce odor and friction and wick moisture. Plus, it’s molecularly bonded so it doesn’t come out in the wash. Be sure to check out to see all of their shirts, tights, socks, compression sleeves, and more. Their clothes are made for both men and women so you're sure to find something that suits your needs. Use code SR (not case sensitive) to get 20% off your order!
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179. Dr. Caitlin Alexander on Long-Term Injuries, Self-Treatment, and Disrupted Motor Patterns
02/18/2021
179. Dr. Caitlin Alexander on Long-Term Injuries, Self-Treatment, and Disrupted Motor Patterns
Dr. Caitlin Alexander is a physical therapist at Build Sports Performance Lab & Physical Therapy in Boulder, Colorado with a certification in Applied Functional Science. She's a certified triathlon coach, running coach, and has experience working with elite-level athletes. She's also an incredible athlete herself! Caitlin has qualified for the Kona World Ironman Championships and is a category 3 cyclist. In our conversation today, we’re talking about what happens when you have an injury for a very long time. You see, our movement patterns live in our brain. Your brain is what controls how you run and if your brain learns over time to compensate for an injury, you’ll develop all new movement patterns - and they won’t be ideal. Finally, Caitlin and I discuss: the origins of disrupted motor patterns how these movement patterns become ingrained in our brain the process required to relearn optimal movement patterns fun Q&A! Resources & Links: Thank you Elemental Labs A big thanks to for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They're also offering free product: just pay for shipping and you can get their sample pack including 8 packets of citrus, raspberry, unflavored, and orange salt varieties. Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite and I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium. There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. I’m encouraged by the fact that Navy SEAL teams, Olympic teams, and pro athletes have started using Elemental electrolyte supplements to improve their performance. Learn more about what they do at (and don't forget to get your free sample pack!).
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178. Are Minimalist Shoes For You? Xero Shoes CEO Steven Sashen on the Promises of Minimalism
02/11/2021
178. Are Minimalist Shoes For You? Xero Shoes CEO Steven Sashen on the Promises of Minimalism
Steven Sashen is a Master’s All-American sprinter and one of the fastest sprinters over 50 in the United States. He’s a former All-American gymnast, a professional stand-up comic, a cognitive psychology researcher, and he previously tought Tai Chi and Zen Archery. Steven has quite the background which is probably needed for starting a successful company in one of the most competitive industries in the world: footwear. He's now the cofounder and CEO of . We’re going to talk about the beginnings of Xero Shoes, the benefits of minimalism, how to transition, plus feature a whole host of questions from members of Team Strength Running, our group coaching program. If you’d like to impact future podcast episodes, you can learn more about the team at Follow Jason Fitzgerald on and subscribe to the
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177. How to ‘Make the Leap’ and Create Your Next Performance Breakthrough
02/04/2021
177. How to ‘Make the Leap’ and Create Your Next Performance Breakthrough
Our guest today is Bryan Green, the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Go Be More apparel, host of the Go Be More Podcast, organizer of the Ignite Sendai Conference in Japan that connects entrepreneurs, and author of the new book Make the Leap. Bryan ran for UCLA from 1997 - 2002 where he was a 2x National Qualifier for cross country, captain of the track team, and 3rd place finisher at the 2001 Pac-10 10,000m final. In this conversation, we’re focusing on the mental side of training. The mindset that is required for high performance and all of the little things that enable us to succeed that aren’t really little at all. We’re going to discuss feedback loops, his Optimal Training Pyramid, your hidden training program, and building your self-belief system. For more on mindset, sign up for Strength Running's . Support our sponsor InsideTracker by using the code strengthrunning on any of their tests at .
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176. Unlocking Dominance: Exploring Ethiopia’s Running Culture with Professor Michael Crawley
01/28/2021
176. Unlocking Dominance: Exploring Ethiopia’s Running Culture with Professor Michael Crawley
Michael Crawley is an anthropology professor at Durham University in England. A 2:20 marathoner, he spent 15 months training with the best runners in Ethiopia to figure out the secrets to their success. His book, , is a beautiful story of a culture where for many, "running is life." From their very different relationship to easy runs, metrics and pace, and even the social aspect of running, this episode will open your eyes to a different way of approaching running. But more than that, you’ll see how running is life for many in Ethiopia and how the sport is an integral part of the Ethiopian identity. Visit to learn more about barefoot running, getting faster, injury preventing, and lifting for speed. Or connect with Jason Twitter: Instagram: Facebook:
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175. Injury Expert Jay Dicharry on the 4 Physical Skills Needed for Pain-Free Running
01/21/2021
175. Injury Expert Jay Dicharry on the 4 Physical Skills Needed for Pain-Free Running
Jay Dicharry is a physical therapist who rose to prominence as an expert in biomechanical analysis as Director of the at the University of Virginia. He has written two books that are highly recommended for our community: and . Jay also consults for several footwear companies, the US Air Force, and USA Track and Field. Recently, Jay created and founded MOBO Board, an innovative foot stability tool. In this episode we talk about the 4 skills that Jay deems absolutely necessary for healthy, pain-free running. Those are postural control, rotational stability, hip dominance, and individual skeletal alignment. We go into detail on all of these, talking about what they are, why they’re important, and how to build these skills into your training. For more on injury prevention, .
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174. Sprint and Speed Development for Endurance Runners with Coach Ryan Banta
01/14/2021
174. Sprint and Speed Development for Endurance Runners with Coach Ryan Banta
Ryan Banta is a coach with more than 19 years of experience and the author of the . At the high school level, Ryan has produced 135 All-State medalists, including 10 state champions and 15 runners-up. His teams have won 12 district championships and 5 top five state finishes in the last nine seasons. He has been elected Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (MTCCCA) president and served on the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) advisory board. In this podcast, we discuss: Prevention of sprinting-related injuries Common training errors in pursuit of speed Mechanics of maximum velocity running The speed development differences between teenagers and adults In the spirit of theme, we leave off with a number of actionable steps that any runner can take to improve their speed. Show Links & Resources: Connect with Ryan on Check out his videos on Books mentioned by Ryan by Kelly Starrett Thank You PWURE! Our newest sponsor is PWURE; learn more about them at . They’re offering 20% off your first month with code "nextlevel" at checkout. Using either your Strava data or an online consultation, they create pre-run and post-run personalized shakes using organic ingredients. They’re the first company to use your fitness data to craft on-demand nutrition - I think the potential of this is awesome and it reminds me of the testing and effort that goes into elite marathoners and their fueling. PWURE has been testing their products with pro runners and the promise here is that they can deliver optimized, better ratios of carbohydrate to protein so you can perform better and recover faster. You get a post-workout dose recommendation so everything they make and recommend is unique to you. All of their formulas can be made vegan, there are four flavors to choose from, and you can even add vitamins. 82% of users saw performance and recovery improvement after one month and 86% would recommend it to a friend. See and don’t forget that code nextlevel will save you 20% on your first month.
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173. Tom “Tinman” Schwartz on Smart Training and the Secret Sauce of Tinman Elite
01/07/2021
173. Tom “Tinman” Schwartz on Smart Training and the Secret Sauce of Tinman Elite
Tom Schwartz, also known as Tinman, has over 30 years of coaching experience. He has worked with youth runners, masters, and professionals. Tom has developed dozens of D1 collegiate athletes, national champions, and national record holders and works with athletes across every distance and on every terrain from the track, road, to trail. Tom has a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Coaching, a master’s in Human Performance, an MBA, and is currently working on his PhD in Health & Human Performance. You might recognize Tom as the coach of Drew Hunter, one of the fastest high schoolers ever a few years ago. Drew is now running professionally for Adidas on the in Boulder, CO. In today's podcast, we talk about all the things that make teams special and how Tom works with his athletes to create a greater good in our world. We cover topics on: Elements of a successful team Life skills we can learn from running Delayed gratification Self discipline Modulation Purpose Specificity Coaching athletes of all ages, abilities, and events Tom's training philosophy to "keep the ball rolling" And of course, Tom shares so much wisdom and inspiration for all of us involved in the sport. Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor . Today, more than ever, it's essential that we’re making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it. InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals. InsideTracker’s patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you’re running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance. I recently had my own blood drawn and am glad to report that my results indicate that everything is in a healthy range. If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs. Use Code STRENGTHRUNNING at to save 10% of any of their tests.
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172. Off-Season Training: What to do In-Between Seasons
12/30/2020
172. Off-Season Training: What to do In-Between Seasons
This episode is all about the off-season. The "in between" time between seasons of running. You'll learn how to best structure this time based on your goals, weaknesses, and ability. This episode was the suggestion from a listener. He asked if I could talk about what runners should do after they run a marathon but before they start their next big training block. Now, whether you’re training for a marathon or any distance race, this is a great question. A good example is what to do after the Boston Marathon but before you start training for the NYC marathon. If you train for 16 weeks for New York, that puts the beginning of your training in late July. Assuming you take a full two weeks off from running after Boston, you’re left with 11 weeks. What do you do with that time period? Our sponsor is the first tech-enabled sports nutrition company - PWURE that you can find at . You hook up your Strava profile or do an online consultation to create personalized pre- and post-run shakes from organic ingredients. Use code ‘nextlevel’ to save 20% on your first month.
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171. Behind-the-Scenes of a Major Marathon: Eli Asch on Directing Big Races
12/23/2020
171. Behind-the-Scenes of a Major Marathon: Eli Asch on Directing Big Races
Eli Asch is currently the Race Director for the Twin Cities Marathon. Prior to this role, he directed the California International Marathon (CIM), which hosted two USATF marathon national championships. Under his direction, CIM was the fastest-growing major marathon in America. Eli also served as the Logistics and Operations Manager for the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon events. He holds an MBA in Sports Business from San Diego State University and a BA in English from Whitman College, where he was captain of the cross country team. I wanted to bring Eli on the podcast to share the details of what it takes to put on a major marathon race. We talk about: Nitty gritty details of getting a race permit How races are measured and certified Reconciling your with the race distance Expanding the What you can do now to support your favorite races Enjoy my podcast with Eli and rejoice in the knowledge that races are, in fact, coming back! Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor . Today, more than ever, it's essential that we’re making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it. InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals. InsideTracker’s patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you’re running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance. I recently had my own blood drawn and am glad to report that my results indicate that everything is in a healthy range. If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs. Use Code STRENGTHRUNNING at to save 10% of any of their tests.
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170. Noah Droddy on Rapid Improvement and Engineering Your Next Performance Breakthrough
12/17/2020
170. Noah Droddy on Rapid Improvement and Engineering Your Next Performance Breakthrough
Noah Droddy is a professional runner, 2-time Olympic Trials Qualifier, 2-time collegiate All-American, and a 2:11 marathoner. He is sponsored by Saucony and trains under Richard Hansen in Boulder, Colorado for the Roots Running Project. His sights are currently set on breaking the 2:10 marathon barrier, which he shares about in this podcast. Noah's path to professional running was indirect, to say the least. He ran through high school and college but didn't take it too seriously. In fact, Noah attributes this casual approach to his decision to go all in on the sport. Noah is also one of very few runners to turn pro after a Division 3 college career, making his trajectory even more impressive. I caught up with him to ask about his current training and how he has been able to make such leaps in his performance. We cover many topics, including: Work ethic to pursue your goals Environmental factors that help your succeed Evolving pressures of a pro runner This is an inspiring episode and I hope you'll enjoy Noah’s energy and thoughtfulness as much as I did. RESOURCES: Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor . Today, more than ever, it's essential that we’re making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it. InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals. InsideTracker’s patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you’re running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance. I recently had my own blood drawn and am glad to report that my results indicate that everything is in a healthy range. If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs. Use Code STRENGTHRUNNING at to save 10% of any of their tests.
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169: Busting 10 Running Myths (BQ's, Weight Loss, Stretching, and More!)
12/10/2020
169: Busting 10 Running Myths (BQ's, Weight Loss, Stretching, and More!)
Have you wondered if a for you? Or if you’re “good enough” to ? Or maybe you’re still sorting out where running fits in with muscle building versus weight loss? We have you covered. On today’s episode, Anya and Jason discuss the common misconceptions, set the record straight, and offer our own experience while debunking the myths. Anya has joined Jason on previous episodes and if you’d like to hear more, listen to a and a . Anya has over a decade of running experience as a triathlete, marathoner, and ultra runner. She brings an interesting perspective as a mom and working professional (outside the running industry) that I think will appeal to many of our listeners. And a big thanks to our sponsor, Inside Tracker, a company that helps endurance athletes optimize their training after taking a simple blood test. I’m a customer, I love their science-based approach, and I think this is one of those investments that actually make you into a better runner. Figure out if you’re over- or under-training so you can train more effectively. Use code strengthrunning (no space) to save 10% on any of their blood testing kits at insidetracker.com.
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168. Olympian Molly Huddle: How to Stay Driven, Be a Role Model, and Run Mentally Tough
12/03/2020
168. Olympian Molly Huddle: How to Stay Driven, Be a Role Model, and Run Mentally Tough
Molly is one of the best runners in the world. She holds the American Record in the 10k, 20k, and the half marathon. She represented the United States at the 2012 Olympics, qualifying for the 5,000m final and finishing 11th. Molly set the American Record in the 10k at the 2016 Olympics, finishing 5th overall. Later that same year she made her marathon debut at the NYC Marathon, making the podium in a 3rd place finish. Molly's talents are indisputable. Not only does she have range in her performance across a variety of distances, but she also has longevity. Molly has been a professional runner for well over a decade. In this podcast she shares about her unique training schedule and we also discuss: Training changes and records set during COVID How she stays motivated Advice for other runners in these challenging times Molly's new project (hint: it's a book!) releasing next year Thank you Molly for joining us on the podcast! Links & Resources from the Show: Hear Follow Molly on and hosted by Molly Huddle, Alysia Montano, and Roisin McGettigan Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor . Today, more than ever, it's essential that we’re making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it. InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals. InsideTracker’s patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you’re running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance. I recently had my own blood drawn and look forward to sharing the results with you soon. If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker is offering their best deal of the year with $200 off their Ultimate Plan, which is their most comprehensive package. Use Code GIFTFROMSTRENGTHRUN at to claim your savings.
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167. The Ultimate Taper Episode with Author Alex Hutchinson
11/25/2020
167. The Ultimate Taper Episode with Author Alex Hutchinson
Alex Hutchinson holds a PhD in Physics from Cambridge, a Master’s in Journalism from Columbia, and is a former national-class runner in Canada. He has written for Runner’s World, Outside Online, The Globe and Mail, Popular Mechanics, and many other major media. I am a big fan of his fitness books as well. He wrote: Alex and I have partnered together before to bring you expert advise. We also recorded a podcast . On today's episode, I wanted to have an in-depth conversation about all things related to tapering. I asked you, our Strength Running community on and Twitter, for questions that you may have. You guys rock, as always! Thanks for your thoughtful questions and helping to guide the conversation. If this episode was helpful, a rating and review in Apple Music is most appreciated!
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166. Dr. Amber Shipherd on Building Confidence, Self-Efficacy, and Positive Self-Talk
11/19/2020
166. Dr. Amber Shipherd on Building Confidence, Self-Efficacy, and Positive Self-Talk
Self-efficacy is one of the most important concepts in the world of . Most of us understand this idea as "confidence" but it's actually more specific than that. It means: "Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments." Now you might have a lot of questions: How can we better prioritize our mental fitness so that we believe in our abilities? What are the sources of self-efficacy so we can draw from them during training? How can we use to our advantage? Are there strategies for building confidence training (or self-efficacy training) into our running? To help us answer these critical questions, I invited Dr. Amber Shipherd onto the podcast. Dr. Amber Shipherd is an assistant professor and performance psychology program coordinator at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She's also a certified mental performance consultant and owner of Next Level Mind Consulting. She is a member of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee Sports Psychology Registry and an Executive Committee Member with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. And thankfully for us, she's an expert on self-efficacy! She joins us on the Strength Running Podcast to discuss the intricacies of confidence: Why confidence is not nearly as valuable as self-efficacy Strategies for building self-efficacy while running Mindset traps that sap confidence and leave you doubting yourself Best practices for incorporating imagery and in your running Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Visit How to
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165. Ask the Dietitian: Should Runners Follow an Anti-inflammatory, Alkaline, or Microbiome Diet?
11/12/2020
165. Ask the Dietitian: Should Runners Follow an Anti-inflammatory, Alkaline, or Microbiome Diet?
Most diets claim to deliver one big goal. For some, that's making the body more alkaline (the opposite of acidic). Others promise to help you lose weight, reduce inflammation, improve gut health, increase mental clarity, burn fat, and generally just "upgrade your life." But are they real? Do these diets deliver on their promises? And they worth the hassle? These are critical questions because our is paramount to our success as runners. And as the saying goes, garbage in means garbage out. The days of believing that "the furnace will burn anything if the fire is hot enough" are over. We now know that nutrition plays a leading role in how energized we feel, how well we recover from hard efforts, and our general health and longevity. Without good nutrition, we're setting ourselves up for failure. But do we need a specific diet? To get a clear answer, I invited Registered Dietitian (and certified running coach) Claire Shorenstein to the podcast. Claire Shorenstein is a RRCA certified running coach, Registered Dietitian, and host of the . She has a private practice in New York where she puts her Master's degree in clinical nutrition to good use. We first met back in 2015 at the National Endurance Sports Summit at Princeton Univeristy where we both participated on a panel about fueling for endurance running. Since then, I've seen her name pop up in Runner's World, Salon, Food & Wine, and other big media outlets. She joins us for a two-part discussion. Part 1 focuses on three specific diets: the alkaline, anti-inflammatory, and microbiome (or gut health) diets. We talk about the goals of each diet, how they claim to deliver results, and whether or not it's a good choice for runners. Part 2 is about diets and eating for endurance. We talk more broadly about eating healthy, the rules that we each follow (and break regularly), and why runners should think twice about following a strict diet. Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Claire on or Strength Running's More SR's
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164: 18 Proven Ways to Run Faster
11/05/2020
164: 18 Proven Ways to Run Faster
Breaking through a performance plateau when you seem to be slowing down can be frustrating. Running improvement sometimes can be difficult. How do you train differently? What are the low-risk, high-reward activities that will prompt you to keep improving? Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes on your training is what it takes. Use the improvement suggestions in this episode to help you think more strategically about your training, challenge yourself to try something new, and get out of your comfort zone. For more, visit or our . Our sponsor for this episode of the podcast is . They pair you with a primary care doctor, online, who’s available via phone, text, or video for all of your needs. It’s tele-medicine at its finest. And not just any doctor, but a fellow runner who understands the training process, your recovery needs, repetitive stress injuries, and can easily order you blood work, referrals for specialists, and more. Dr. Josh Emdur leads the program and he’s a sub-3 marathoner! to learn more about this innovative medical service for endurance runners and reserve your spot.
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163. Professor Brian Zuleger on the Mental Strengths of Youth, Community, and Fun
10/29/2020
163. Professor Brian Zuleger on the Mental Strengths of Youth, Community, and Fun
Brian Zuleger is a professor of sport psychology at Adams State University, where he is also the mental strength coach for the Cross Country and Track and Field teams. He works directly with athletes in an integrative, holistic approach. Brian is a certified Exercise Physiologist from the American College of Sports Medicine. He applies his education with the athletes he works with as a personal trainer and coach. We discuss the partnership that he has with athletes, the skills that they focus on, and their unique psychology. We talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the youthful mindset, as well as what adult runners can take away. We also talk about: Healthy ways to view competition Temptation of numbers-driven outcomes Getting unstuck after a bad workout Advantages of having a team Show Links & Resources: Check out Connect on Sign up for our Thank you to the Run Smarter Podcast! is our newest sponsor that I know you'll love. Hosted by Brodie Sharpe, an expert in physiology, it aims to bridge the information gap for recreational runners and the field of physiotherapy. Brodie is an expert in this and is passionate about helping runners perform their best. Alongside the valuable resources shared in the Run Smarter Podcast, he offers online physiotherapy to help runners recovery from injuries. When I joined Brodie to discuss , I was impressed with his thoughtful questions and commitment to science-based information. Check out more of his episodes on and subscribe to get the newest ones. I know you'll really enjoy it!
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162. Q&A for New Runners on Where to Start and How to Improve
10/22/2020
162. Q&A for New Runners on Where to Start and How to Improve
Starting anything new can be overwhelming, especially if you do all the research upfront. Read about running and you'll find yourself wondering if you have the "right" shoes, gear, training plan, etc. To simplify, we have a free course to help you with . The information will help get you going and keep you running. Today's podcast addresses questions that we collected from our community. Many are frequent ones that every new runner will wonder about at some point. Others topics are more specific and interesting to be aware of, even if they don't pertain to you. We divided the questions into several categories: Getting started - the "how" and "why" of running Training strategies - we discuss different paces, , and goals Fueling - details for and Your body's performance while running Ever wondered how long it might take you to train for a marathon? Or when to consider packing water with you on the run? And most importantly - where do you start? We have you covered! Thank You PATH Projects! continues to be a great supporter of this podcast! I'm grateful for their partnership and want to share more about their products that I've been loving because they so durable and comfortable. PATH Projects is an online-only retailer of high-quality running gear and apparel. That means there is no retail markup, making their products quite affordable. In particular, I’ve just started wearing their 3” Sykes shorts and they’re a little different from the 5” Sykes shorts (you can see those in action ). The material is thinner and lighter, which is perfect in a performance short, and they’re obviously shorter. I’m not sure if my wife thinks they’re too scandalous or loves them, but I’m wearing them constantly. PATH uses new technical fabrics, like the Japanese fiber called Toray Primeflex, to create award-winning apparel for endurance athletes. In fact, their Brim shorts and Tahoe base liner won Runner’s World’s 2018 Gear of the Year award. And the Pyrinees hoodie was named one of the best six sweatshirts for running in the cold by Gear Patrol. You know you'll be wearing the best when you select !
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161. Running Your Fastest Marathon as a Master: A Behind-the-Scenes Coaching Call
10/15/2020
161. Running Your Fastest Marathon as a Master: A Behind-the-Scenes Coaching Call
Rose is a scientist and an enthusiastic runner. While she wasn't involved with organized running teams through her earlier years, she has been running for several decades. Now, in her 40s, Rose is wondering if she can continue to get faster in her marathon times and beat a PR from her 20's. Rose is a strong and committed runner who has made significant improvements in the last few years. She previously dealt with a lot of discomforts, but is now running pain-free. She attributed that to her and mobility improvements. In this conversation, you'll learn more about Rose's past race performance, training cycle lengths, and her goals. We talk though many other aspects that she can dial in and ultimately lay out a full year of training and races for her. Rose was pumped to hear that a PR is most definitely possible. We just have to be thoughtful in the approach and patient with the process. We're all cheering for her! If you'd like the opportunity to have a 1-on-1 coaching call with Jason for the podcast, join the , where you can join our thriving community.
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160. 5 of the World's Fastest Women on Injury Prevention & Recovery
10/08/2020
160. 5 of the World's Fastest Women on Injury Prevention & Recovery
Wondering what you can do to prevent injuries? Let's learn from the best in the sport! Today's podcast rounds up advice from the world's top female runners on what they do to prevent injuries and stay healthy while performing at the highest levels. I asked a single question to 5 of the best runners in the world - Colleen Quigley, Sara Hall, Grayson Murphy, Kate Grace, and Molly Huddle: What single idea, tool, or strategy is most helpful in keeping you healthy and running injury-free? The responses are fascinating. Particularly, pay attention to the commonalities. These women are especially focused on what allows them to run sustainably, improve over time, and focus on their own particular needs. Many of the women mentioned the importance of your mindset, and I couldn't agree more! That's why we offer a , along with techniques that you can implement in your own running. If you aren't ready for a full course, check out these helpful guides to up your mental game: See what these incredible women had to say and, of course, see our . Thank You PATH Projects! continues to be a great supporter of this podcast! I'm grateful for their partnership and want to share more about their products that I've been loving because they so durable and comfortable. PATH Projects is an online-only retailer of high-quality running gear and apparel. That means there is no retail markup, making their products quite affordable. In particular, I’ve just started wearing their 3” Sykes shorts and they’re a little different from the 5” Sykes shorts (you can see those in action ). The material is thinner and lighter, which is perfect in a performance short, and they’re obviously shorter. I’m not sure if my wife thinks they’re too scandalous or loves them, but I’m wearing them constantly. PATH uses new technical fabrics, like the Japanese fiber called Toray Primeflex, to create award-winning apparel for endurance athletes. In fact, their Brim shorts and Tahoe base liner won Runner’s World’s 2018 Gear of the Year award. And the Pyrinees hoodie was named one of the best six sweatshirts for running in the cold by Gear Patrol. You know you'll be wearing the best when you select !
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159. Massage Best Practices, Benefits, and Mistakes with Coach Matt Phillips
10/01/2020
159. Massage Best Practices, Benefits, and Mistakes with Coach Matt Phillips
Matt Phillips in an expert in the field of massage therapy and performance, which is why he's one of our few repeat guests! Our previous , but today we're discussing another specialty of his: massage. Originally a strength and conditioning coach with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Matt turned his attention to Sports Therapy in 2004. Since then, he has focused his work on distance runners and endurance athletes. He is also a lecturer in Anatomy and Physiology and his work has appeared in most major media. In this episode, we talk about the common beliefs that are not supported by scientific data, in particular, that massages are not helpful for: Breaking down scar tissue Flushing out lactic acid Increasing circulation Reducing injury through added pain We also talk about how finding a knowledgeable massage therapist can help with: Relaxing the central nervous system Aiding with recovering Educating you Matt provides some great tips on how to find a therapist suitable for you and your needs, incorporating massages into your athletic pursuits, and sorting through all that anecdotal evidence. Thank You Elemental Labs! A big thanks to for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. Their products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite and I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium. There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. I’m encouraged by the fact that Navy SEAL teams, Olympic teams, and pro athletes have started using Elemental electrolyte supplements to improve their performance. Learn more about what they do at .
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158. Tyler Andrews on the Future of Virtual Races and How to Bring Runners Together
09/24/2020
158. Tyler Andrews on the Future of Virtual Races and How to Bring Runners Together
Tyler Andrews is a HOKA elite runner and multiple record holder. I had Tyler on the podcast a few years ago when he was gearing up for . He just missed that record but he’s been busy staying fit and going after even more challenges. That’s our discussion today because Tyler finds himself in a similar situation as the rest of us: training without a clear goal on the calendar. So, he made up his own race! Recently, he organized the where over 50 Olympians and other elite runners raced a marathon relay with live tracking and thousands of other runners participating virtually. There was race commentary by Tyler, Des Linden and . This was the most innovative type of virtual race I’ve ever heard of and having it organized by a 3x Team USA member and 50-mile national champion is just incredible. In this conversation, we talk more about this event, more races that he’s organizing in the future, giving back to the running community, and how you can get involved. In particular, we dug deep into the "pursuit of happiness" versus the "happiness of pursuit." Show Links & Resources: Follow Tyler on and Read more about the Find other Thank You PATH Projects! continues to be a great supporter of this podcast! I'm grateful for their partnership and want to share more about their products that I've been loving because they so durable and comfortable. PATH Projects is an online-only retailer of high-quality running gear and apparel. That means there is no retail markup, making their products quite affordable. In particular, I’ve just started wearing their 3” Sykes shorts and they’re a little different from the 5” Sykes shorts (you can see those in action ). The material is thinner and lighter, which is perfect in a performance short, and they’re obviously shorter. I’m not sure if my wife thinks they’re too scandalous or loves them, but I’m wearing them constantly. PATH uses new technical fabrics, like the Japanese fiber called Toray Primeflex, to create award-winning apparel for endurance athletes. In fact, their Brim shorts and Tahoe base liner won Runner’s World’s 2018 Gear of the Year award. And the Pyrinees hoodie was named one of the best six sweatshirts for running in the cold by Gear Patrol. You know you'll be wearing the best when you select !
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157. Professor Shawn Bearden on the Science of Ultramarathons
09/17/2020
157. Professor Shawn Bearden on the Science of Ultramarathons
Shawn Bearden is a professor of exercise physiology at Idaho State University where he focuses on ultra endurance performance. He has published research in the American Journal of Physiology and the Journal of Applied Physiology, and he’s previously studied at Yale, UVA, and George Mason. Shawn hosts a podcast of his own called the Science of Ultra, where he interviews the smartest scientists in the world about the physiology of ultra endurance. If you want to understand the intricate details of how our bodies are able to perform at extremes, this episode is for you. Shawn studies and lectures on the physiology, all while putting himself through the rigor of ultra running. In this conversation, we talk specifically about running ultramarathons and what that does to your body. You’ll hear what occurs in the body during a 100-mile race that doesn’t happen during a marathon, optimal fueling strategies for ultra-endurance, the most prevalent myth surrounding ultras, and a lot more. Show Links & Resources: Connect on Find more of Shawn's content on his Learn more in my Thank You Gatorade Endurance! This episode is made possible by support from Gatorade Endurance. Use code Strength20 for 20% off at . Reformulated in 2017 to be even more effective, Gatorade Endurance Formula is a specialized sports drink. That means it has higher amounts of sodium and potassium to help sustain hydration, maintain proper fluid balance, and replace key electrolytes that you lose when you’re running. Plus, it has no artificial sweeteners or flavors and has a lighter flavor designed for athletes training longer. I know the last thing I want when I’m two hours into a long run is a strong flavor that might turn my stomach. Gatorade Endurance Formula also now offers a multi-carbohydrate blend to help you dial it in and maintain performance over much longer runs. Different carbs are utilized at different rates, so this advancement helps you both run longer and lower any risk of stomach distress because it won’t be working so hard all at once. You can check out all of their flavors, including caffeinated and non-caffeinated options, at and don’t forget to use code Strength20 for your 20% discount.
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156. Registered Dietitian Anne Mauney on Fueling, Weight Loss, and More
09/10/2020
156. Registered Dietitian Anne Mauney on Fueling, Weight Loss, and More
Anne Mauney is a certified Registered Dietitian, has a master’s in public health, she has taught at George Washington University in Washington, DC, and has run dozens of half marathons and marathons. Her work has been featured in Glamour, The Washington Post, Woman’s Day, and in many other publications. She writes a nutrition and lifestyle blog at and runs her own private counseling practice from . I admire her approach to nutrition because it's sustainable, well balanced, and supported by science. In this episode we discuss fueling strategies before and after a race, strategies for and avoiding . For even more Q&A with Anne, get . Show Links & Resources: Find Anne at: and Connect on and Recipes for fueling your runs: Thank You Gatorade Endurance! This episode is made possible by support from Gatorade Endurance. Use code Strength20 for 20% off at . Reformulated in 2017 to be even more effective, Gatorade Endurance Formula is a specialized sports drink. That means it has higher amounts of sodium and potassium to help sustain hydration, maintain proper fluid balance, and replace key electrolytes that you lose when you’re running. Plus, it has no artificial sweeteners or flavors and has a lighter flavor designed for athletes training longer. I know the last thing I want when I’m two hours into a long run is a strong flavor that might turn my stomach. Gatorade Endurance Formula also now offers a multi-carbohydrate blend to help you dial it in and maintain performance over much longer runs. Different carbs are utliized at different rates, so this advancement helps you both run longer and lower any risk of stomach distress because it won’t be working so hard all at once. You can check out all of their flavors, including caffeinated and non-caffeinated options, at and don’t forget to use code Strength20 for your 20% discount.
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155. The Definitive Long Run Episode: David Roche Explains Everything About Running Long
09/03/2020
155. The Definitive Long Run Episode: David Roche Explains Everything About Running Long
David Roche is a two-time USATF trail national champion, the 2014 U.S. Sub-Ultra Trail Runner of the Year, and a member of Nike Trail Elite and Team Clif Bar. You might have read his work that he publishes regularly on the Trail Runner magazine website or perhaps you’ve read his book, . You can hear me talk about that book with David’s wife Megan in of The Strength Running Podcast. David isn’t just an incredibly talented trail runner, he’s a wonderful writer and a coach who works with a wide variety of athletes. With his legal background, David is able to clearly explain some difficult concepts which is just why I wanted to have him on the show today. We cover the benefits of doing long runs and discuss the details of: Aerobic endurance Musculoskeletal strength Metabolic adaptation Mental resilience Improved mechanics Truly, there's so much to gain from going long. I love David's focus on feeling good, even during those grueling long runs. Hint: are a key part of it. He approaches workouts with the long view in mind, rather than having his athletes hammer out the hardest possible workout. In this episode we also cover: Glycogen depletion and recovery - you can read more My personal long run mistakes Importance of And how to adjust long runs based on your experience Thank You Gatorade Endurance! This episode is made possible by support from Gatorade Endurance. Use code Strength20 for 20% off at . Reformulated in 2017 to be even more effective, Gatorade Endurance Formula is a specialized sports drink. That means it has higher amounts of sodium and potassium to help sustain hydration, maintain proper fluid balance, and replace key electrolytes that you lose when you’re running. Plus, it has no artificial sweeteners or flavors and has a lighter flavor designed for athletes training longer. I know the last thing I want when I’m two hours into a long run is a strong flavor that might turn my stomach. Gatorade Endurance Formula also now offers a multi-carbohydrate blend to help you dial it in and maintain performance over much longer runs. Different carbs are utliized at different rates, so this advancement helps you both run longer and lower any risk of stomach distress because it won’t be working so hard all at once. You can check out all of their flavors, including caffeinated and non-caffeinated options, at and don’t forget to use code Strength20 for your 20% discount.
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154. Are You a Real Runner? Goal-Setting, Family, and Scheduling for Adult Runners
08/27/2020
154. Are You a Real Runner? Goal-Setting, Family, and Scheduling for Adult Runners
Today's guest is Anya Mullen - she's not a pro runner, she’s not a PT or a coach, but she is a regular runner just like you and me. She also has been working for Strength Running for the better part of a year now, helping me refine some of the content that you see on our various channels. We first met back in 2015 at a group run and started working together earlier this year. Her running career spans nearly a decade and her life has changed quite a bit over that time, along with her running. Anya has run everything from a 5K to an ultra, including an unsupported, unofficial 50 miler that her partner talked her into (listen to the podcast for the full story!). Anya Mullen lives in Colorado and has been juggling running with her work, family and home life. And that’s a big part of what we’re talking about today: just how we fit it all in, plus reflections on whether or not you’re a “real” runner, goals and how they evolve over your running career, especially after you have a family. This episode is more personal and explores some of the issues that prevent us from training as much as we’d like. I hope you’re left with a few ideas on how to fit your running into your schedule, plus affirmation that yes, you are a real runner. Show Links & Resources: Connect with Anya on Learn more on her See the that Anya used Inspiring books on ultra running: by Rich Roll by Scott Jurek Thank You PATH Projects! continues to be a great supporter of this podcast! I'm grateful for their partnership and want to share more about their products that I've been loving because they so functional and comfortable. In particular, I’ve just started wearing their 3” Sykes shorts and they’re a little different from the 5” Sykes shorts (you can see those in action ). The material is thinner and lighter, which is perfect in a performance short, and they’re obviously shorter. I’m not sure if my wife thinks they’re too scandalous or loves them, but I’m wearing them constantly. And now that we’ve partnered for a few months, I can confidently say that their gear is durable. PATH Projects is an online-only retailer of high-quality running gear and apparel. That means there is no retail markup, making their products quite affordable. PATH uses new technical fabrics, like the Japanese fiber called Toray Primeflex, to create award-winning apparel for endurance athletes. In fact, their Brim shorts and Tahoe base liner won Runner’s World’s 2018 Gear of the Year award. And the Pyrinees hoodie was named one of the best six sweatshirts for running in the cold by Gear Patrol. You know you'll be wearing the best when you select !
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153. Movement Expert Todd Hargrove on Pain, Mobility, and Play
08/20/2020
153. Movement Expert Todd Hargrove on Pain, Mobility, and Play
Todd is a former attorney turned manual therapist who scratched his own itch. After years of experiencing pain, he set out to understand what causes it, how to move better, and effective strategies for reducing pain and improving your athletic performances. He has written two books, and , which are interdisciplinary ways of looking at the problems of injury and pain. He brings in a broad diversity of disciplines like stress physiology to complex systems theory and then explains how that all relates back to athletes. This conversation was wide-ranging and touches on subjects like , , dynamic flexibility, how much of pain is mental, and strategies for having more fun in your training. Todd also gives us some tangible advice on: Doing warm-ups as a sport specific activity Ways to develop intrinsic motivation for running How to approach a "balanced movement diet" And where to start when looking to improve in your sport I was also excited to hear that Todd is training for his first 5K. Tune in to hear about how the training is going for him! Show Links & Resources: Learn more about Todd at his Connect with Todd on Todd's book: Strength series: Thank You SureFeet! I’m excited to announce our newest sponsor . They make a colorless, odorless shoe spray that stops your running shoes from getting so smelly. They make their Odor Eliminating Shoe Spray in the USA and each bottle can treat about 10 pairs of shoes. SureFeet sent me a sample and I used it on my worst smelling shoes and guess what? It worked great! This pair smelled from across the room but after a quick application of the spray, I’d say the smell was reduced by 95%. After wearing them a few more times, the smell was probably 80% less than how it smelled before I used SureFeet. It works and my wife is very thankful for that. Just one quick suggestion: don’t put it on too thick because it won’t dry completely clear. My next project is using it on a pair of new running shoes because it’s best as a preventative tool, rather than on already smelly shoes. It doesn’t wash off, wear away, or contain any nasty chemicals. Be sure to check out and get a twin-pack of their spray.
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152. Olympian Carrie Tollefson on Why Runners Are So Awesome
08/13/2020
152. Olympian Carrie Tollefson on Why Runners Are So Awesome
Our guest is none other than 2004 Olympian Carrie Tollefson. You might recognize her as a 3-time national champion, or the 1998 NCAA Indoor Track Athlete of the Year, or maybe you’ve just seen her on TV a lot. She’s been a broadcaster for years, having commentated on races for ESPN, NBC, ABC, and USATF TV. Her commentary has appeared in numerous world class races from the Boston Marathon to Footlocker Nationals, to the Tokyo Marathon. In our conversation, you'll hear about her many accomplishments in the sport. But beyond those, she's a very engaged member of the running community and an active mom of 3 kids. We discuss what us recreational runners can learn from the pros and her advice to new runners on how they can become more involved in the running community. She also shares her experience about the advantages of long and short runs, depending on where you are at in your running career. Show Links & Resources: Carrie's social: and Learn more on her Join the conversation Become a member of the Thank You PATH Projects! continues to be a great supporter of this podcast! I'm grateful for their partnership and want to share more about their products that I've been loving because they so durable and comfortable. PATH Projects is an online-only retailer of high-quality running gear and apparel. That means there is no retail markup, making their products quite affordable. In particular, I’ve just started wearing their 3” Sykes shorts and they’re a little different from the 5” Sykes shorts (you can see those in action ). The material is thinner and lighter, which is perfect in a performance short, and they’re obviously shorter. I’m not sure if my wife thinks they’re too scandalous or loves them, but I’m wearing them constantly. PATH uses new technical fabrics, like the Japanese fiber called Toray Primeflex, to create award-winning apparel for endurance athletes. In fact, their Brim shorts and Tahoe base liner won Runner’s World’s 2018 Gear of the Year award. And the Pyrinees hoodie was named one of the best six sweatshirts for running in the cold by Gear Patrol. You know you'll be wearing the best when you select !
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151. David Monti on the Past, Present, and Future of Running
08/06/2020
151. David Monti on the Past, Present, and Future of Running
David Monti is the founder, editor, and publisher of , which is a weekly subscription service for the world’s running results. David also used to recruit elite athletes to race at events and worked as a sports media consultant. Through his work, he has a fascinating perspective on the sport. He attended and watched some of the most electrifying races the world has ever seen - and we talk about the races that most stick in his mind after all these years. David’s consistent exposure to the highest levels of the sport of running also gives him a certain wisdom about where running has been, where it is now, and where it’s going in the future. We talk about what has changed most in the running industry, what will likely stay the same, and what we might look forward to in the coming decades. We touch on many different topics, including: What drives the costs of road races (and why they are much cheaper in Europe) Innovative ways to hold races in COVID times Legal considerations of the Challenges of building a larger fanbase for the sport of running Thank You Elemental Labs! A big thanks to our newest sponsor, , for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. Their citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite and I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium. There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. And I’m encouraged by the fact that Navy SEAL teams, Olympic teams, and pro athletes have started using Elemental electrolyte supplements to improve their performance. Learn more about what they do at .
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