For The Long Run

Don’t fall into the comparison trap as a runner!Annie Frisbie is a professional runner for Puma and Minnesota Distance Elite. She trains with her team in Minneapolis and lives with her boyfriend and two dogs. Jon chats with Annie about:• Annie’s Training Mindset for Success• What Makes a Good Running Shoe?• Race Fueling & Nutrition Strategy• How to Get Back on Your Feet After an Injury• Evaluating the Current Running SceneStay connected:Follow Annie on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/anniefrisb3?igsh=MWFveWh3eXV0aDZvOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrThis episode is supported by:Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!Visit Leadville: So you think you know Leadville? Lake County has so much more to offer year-round than just the 100 miler in the summer. If you’re thinking of getting away, highly recommend booking a trip to Leadville to get up into the mountains, eat yummy food, and play outside. Check out more of what Leadville has to o

If you’ve ever considered running a global race series like UTMB, learn from the founders on why it’s so much more than a race.Jon sits down with Michel and Catherine Poletti, the founders of the UTMB race series. They share their journey of starting and growing UTMB, along with essential business insights for organizing races. You won’t want to miss the philosophy that has been the foundation of their success.Jon chats with Michel and Catherine about:Early Challenges and Growth of UTMBExpansion and SustainabilityThe Global Trail Running BoomPartnership with IronmanMaintaining Control and Expanding GloballyBalancing Business and Community ValuesStay Connected:Follow UTMB on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/utmbworldseries/?hl=enUTMB’S Website:https://utmb.world/This episode is supported by:Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.Alpenglow: Visit

What does it mean to TRULY be grateful for running and life?Reid Burrows grew up in the small town of Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick, Canada. His endurance background is in the sport of triathlon. Upon leaving the pursuit of triathlon and chasing the Olympic dream, he fell in love with the trails and haven’t looked back since. In February of 2022, Reid quit his full-time job to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time professional trail runner. By the end of 2022, he was picked up by Merrell with his first professional contract. Reid currently lives and trains out of Leadville, Colorado. Jon chats with Reid about:Reid's Journey to LeadvilleInspiration from Rob KrarThe Importance of Story-Driven BrandsNavigating Government and Contract PressuresLiving and Training at High AltitudeStay connected:Follow Reid on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/reidburrows/This episode is supported by:Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ea

Let's break down what is so special about trail running and why more people need to experience it.Vivek Gowri is a Product Manager at NVIDIA, where he leads initiatives in gaming and AI hardware. When he’s not shaping the future of tech, he’s out on the trails as a dedicated runner and advocate for diversity in the outdoor space. He brings a thoughtful perspective to the intersection of technology, endurance sports, and inclusion — bridging innovation with impact on and off the trail.Jon chats with Vivek about:Trail Running and the November ProjectBuilding a Diverse Running CommunityInclusivity and Accessibility in Trail RunningInvesting in Running BusinessesThe Intersection of Tech and RunningTrail Running Innovations and EventsStay connected:Vivek on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekgowri/This episode is supported by:Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!PUMA: Get your pair at your loca

Are you laying the right foundation for your nutritional health?Rachael (Reddy) Wade is a runner, mom of two, and founder of Rx Nutrition. She ran for the University of Alabama, earned gold medals at the Pan American Games and USA Championships, and now helps others fuel for performance and life. As a registered dietitian with a doctoral degree in Public Health, Rachael specializes in sports nutrition, women’s health, and disordered eating. Whether she’s chasing her kids, counseling clients, or training for her next competition, Rachael is all about the long run — literally and figuratively.Jon chats with Rachael about:Transition to CrossFit and Hybrid TrainingResearch on Mental Health and NutritionNavigating Nutrition AdviceWomen's Health and Disordered EatingBalancing Life and EntrepreneurshipStay connected:Follow Rachael on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rachaelwade_/Rx Nutrition Website:https://www.rxnutritioncounseling.com/Rachael's business Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rxnutritioncou

Are you actually prepared for your next outdoor adventure?Viktor Makarskyy is the Cofounder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of GOES Health where he is responsible for the product and engineering of their outdoor health platform. He is an avid runner living based in Los Angeles, where he’s currently training for a hilly marathon later this year in Japan. He checks the GOES app daily for real-time outdoor risks to help plan his runs, and GOES has helped him personally with everything from muscle cramps to impact injuries while running on trails. Disclaimer: GOES is a sponsor of For The Long RunJon chats with Viktor about:Viktor's Journey from Swimming to RunningThe Essential Community and Structure that Running ProvidesFocusing on Key Drivers to Achieve Your GoalsPattern Recognition and Building Successful HabitsEnhancing Outdoor Safety with GOES HealthStay connected:Follow Viktor on Instagram:instagram.com/viktorwritesViktor on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/makarskyyCheck out GOES:goes.healthThis episode is

No matter where you’re at in your running journey, there’s a path for all of us.Scott Jurek has been named one of the greatest runners of all time, claiming victories in nearly all of ultrarunning’s elite trail and road events. More than just a champion, Scott is a true student and ambassador of the sport, known to stay at finish lines cheering until the last runner crosses. When not racing, he donates his time to many non profit organizations and is an avid volunteer in the areas of environmental conservation, fitness and health.Jon chats with Scott about:​The Philosophy of Endurance and Suffering​Adapting and Overcoming Injuries​The Future of Ultra Running Competitions​The Pressure of Year-Round Racing​The Allure of Western States​The Importance of Community and InspirationStay connected:Follow Scott on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/scottjurek/Scott’s website:https://www.scottjurek.com/Scott’s book:https://www.amazon.com/North-Finding-While-Running-Appalachian/dp/0316433799This episode is supported by

Having doubts as a runner? Here’s how to reframe them.Kristen Schindler is a mental performance consultant and endurance coach who helps athletes untangle their relationship with sport, self, and setbacks. She is currently completing her Master’s in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Western States and working toward CMPC certification. Kristen’s work is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Performance Coaching, Narrative Theory, and Cognitive-Behavioral principles with a belief that who we are in sport mirrors who we are in life. Drawing on over two decades of experience as both an elite trail runner and coach, she supports athletes in building resilience, values-based confidence, and sustainable performance. She works with individuals, teams, and organizations, helping them lean into discomfort, reframe failure, and write more honest, flexible stories about who they are both as athletes and humans.Jon chats with Kristin about:Kristen's running journeymental performance and co

Want change in the way your races are organized? Then speak up about it!Libby Jones is the owner and race director for The Active Joe, a race production company out of Dallas, Texas that focuses on the "average joes" out there getting active. She has directed running races for 17 years and currently produces trail and road running events 6 race days a year for The Active Joe. The company has a focus on affordable racing while providing opportunities to get active in a safe and inviting way for communities previously underrepresented in running.Jon chats with Libby about:● overcoming health challenges (Fibromyalgia)● going from runner to race director● diversity and inclusion in running● efforts to include underrepresented groups● challenges and progress in race directingFollow Libby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libbyruns/Follow Active Joe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theactivejoe/Active Joe’s website: https://www.theactivejoe.com/Active Joe on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

When your motto is “young and fit,” what does it look like to train for Western States?Hans Troyer is a 25 year old pro ultrarunner who set the course record at the Bandera 100k in 2024 and who finished second at the 2025 Canyons 100k, earning him a Golden Ticket to the Western States 100.Listen to hear about:Discovering the trail scene and becoming a pro runnerThe draw of the pain cave and sufferingPreparation for Western States 100Hans’ fueling and nutrition strategies on and off the courseThe brands Hans lovesStay connected:Hans on Instagram: instagram.com/hanstroyer Hans on YouTube: youtube.com/@HansIsYoungAndFit THE KID documentary: youtube.com/watch?v=ZZmeB4qub_U Find Hans Troyer on StravaFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:Pillar: If you’re looking to step up your performance, check out PILLAR at TheFeed.com and use FTLR for 15% o

Get an inside look at what it’s like to run Western States!Adam Peterman is a professional trail runner living in Missoula, Montana who ran for the University of Colorado.Listen to hear about:Adam’s love-hate relationship with the Mags run in BoulderThe decision to pursue a career as a pro trail runnerAdam’s approach to racing and embracing the unknownA sacral stress fracture and how Nordic skiing may have contributed to itPreparing for a return to Western StatesAn inside look at fueling for racesStay connected:Adam on Instagram: instagram.com/adampeterman_ For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit,

We’re only a couple of weeks from the Western States Endurance Run, so we caught up with a pro for an inside look at strategizing for it!Riley Brady is a professional ultra trail runner for Nike Trail living and training in Boulder, CO.Jon chatted with them about:The process of earning a golden ticket to Western StatesHow Riley’s low salt loss rate influences fueling choices“Collective effervescence” in a 100 milerManaging nausea and staying focused in ultrasAiming for a sub 2:36 at CIMBalancing personal goals with sponsorship obligationsStay connected:Riley on Instagram: instagram.com/rye.outside Follow Riley Brady on StravaFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at www.puma.com.Pillar: If you’re looking to step up your performance, check out PILLAR at T

Athletes are more than their sport, so Colleen’s working to bring a holistic approach to team running.Colleen Quigley is an American middle-distance runner, Olympian, entrepreneur, mentor, National Champion, and lover of women's sports.From her high school days on the cross country and track teams, to her collegiate career and Florida State, and all throughout her professional career running for brands like lululemon, Nike, WHOOP, ROKA, and more, community has always been a top priority. Colleen aims to bring that value of community to life with a new professional track team called Meridia and coached by Juli Benson.Listen to hear about:​Differences of running communities between Boulder, LA, and Flagstaff​Transitioning from soccer and dance to running and allowing it to snowball into a career​The nuances of male vs. female running coaches​Building a holistic team dynamic around ethos and values rather than around a brand​Non-endemic brand sponsorships and allowing athletes to maintain control over sponsorshi

There are a million and one ways to train for running. But the best way? To Makena, it’s whatever gives you the most fun.Makena Morley is a long distance runner living in Bozeman, MT and running for ASICS. She graduated from University of Colorado in 2020 and now coaches via RunDoyen.Listen to hear about:​Struggles and challenges of transitioning to competitive running​Experimenting with trail and road running to train for marathons​Working through the mental challenges of getting back to running after injury​Coaching runners with a focus on the well being and enjoyment for athletes ​The impact of podcasts, social media, and storytelling in the running community ​Balancing goals and how the definition of success can evolve Stay connected:​Makena on Instagram: instagram.com/makena_morley​For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod​Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt​Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com​RunDoyen: https://www.rundoyen.com/This e

We love in-person events. If you missed this one at Fleet Feet in Boulder in April 2025, you can catch up with this recording!Caitlyn Miller is a 26 year old business owner and marathon runner. Caitlyn’s business, Expntl Athletics, specializes in activewear for distance runners.She joined Jon live at Fleet Feet for this live discussion and audience Q+A.Listen to hear about:Caitlyn’s transition from softball to to runningHow she balances running with businessThe training and recovery techniques that work for CaitlynAvoiding overtraining with multiple active hobbiesStrategies while approaching race day Hot takes on treadmill runningStay connected:Caitlyn Miller on Instagram: instagram.com/Caitlynmiller_fitCaitlyn Miller on Youtube: youtube.com/@caitlynmiller_fitCaitlyn Miller on TikTok: tiktok.com/@caitlynmiller_fitFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is s

What does it mean to show up with joy even in the midst of the hardest seasons?Annie Kalter is a 15-time Boston Marathoner, a mom, a school culture professional, and a woman with an extraordinary story of resilience. After surviving a heart attack that required her to be revived four times, Annie defied the odds to complete her 15th Boston Marathon just five months later.Listen to hear about:Annie’s entry into running and how she unexpectedly discovered the marathon was her distanceBuilding a 15-year Boston streak and what it means to be a streakerMissing a sub-3-hour marathon by just one second and how she found peace with itSurviving a spontaneous coronary artery dissection and learning to run again afterwardThe mental shift from chasing times to embracing the journey and helping othersHow joy, gratitude, and rest are now central to Annie’s version of successThe healing power of community and movement—even when you have to slow downWhether you’re a runner or not, Annie’s story is a powerful reminder of what

Hoping to make time for your goals even when you have a million obligations to manage?Allison Baca is a professional trail runner for HOKA. She juggles parenting a 3-year-old and working full time in finance while squeezing in training to compete in big mountain races.Listen to hear about:Getting into endurance sports with triathlons and transitioning to trail runningChallenges of balancing training, work, and family lifeAlignment of values with Allison’s sponsor, HOKAImportance of picking races responsibly in order to not over-racePositive influence of running on physical and mental healthImpact of small victories on overall well-beingRunning community and desire to inspire and support othersStay connected:Follow Allison Baca on Instagram: instagram.com/allisonlbacaFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders. Athletes face a lot of mental and physical pressure around fueling, so we need to break taboos.Kate Ringwood is a licensed therapist that specializes in eating disorders in athletes. Kate's personal experience navigating her own recovery while competing in cross country and track influenced her passion in helping others.Listen to hear about:Kate’s personal story of an eating disorder and then rediscovering her love for runningGetting back into training with less pressureReduce shame and stigma around eating disorders and body image issuesMisconceptions about athletes and eating disordersThe nuances of recovery, failure, and mental health in runningStay connected:Kate on Instagram: instagram.com/serendipity.counseling Kate’s website: serendipitycounseling.comFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode

This runner took a scary setback and turned it into a message of hope.Dom Fusco is a health and wellness creator, coach, endurance athlete, and community builder based in Austin, Texas.After surviving a sudden cardiac arrest in 2023, Dom made it his mission to help others strengthen their bodies, sharpen their minds, and deepen their faith to live healthier, stronger, and more purposeful lives.Listen to hear about:How Dom’s faith influences his running and fitnessDom’s experience with sudden cardiac arrestThe intersection of wellness and content creationDefining success beyond metricsStay connected:Dom on Instagram: instagram.com/dominicfusco For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:Pillar: If you’re looking to step up your performance, check out PILLAR at TheFeed.com and use FTLR for 15% off your first purchase.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sungl

Royi Metser is the founder and CEO of Avelo, the company behind the world's first smart running shoe.Running changed Royi’s life in 2021 after a blood test was the kick in the butt he needed to make a change. Three days later he signed up for his first marathon.It was through his personal mission to improve at running that he decided to build a product to measure force and form and use the data to help runners improve performance and reduce risk of injury.Listen to hear about:​How signing up for a marathon motivated Royi to start running again​How struggles with achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis made Royi curious about creating a product that measures data at the feet​Creating a smart running shoe and the challenges of building footwear, software, and hardware all together​Behind the scenes of Royi’s start-up, Avelo, the world’s first smart running shoeStay connected:​Avelo on IG: instagram.com/avelorunning ​For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod​Jon Levitt on Instagram: in