If you don’t invest in your weaknesses now, they will haunt you down the road.

This conversation originally aired on Episode 13 of Long Run Labs, my new podcast on the business of the outdoor industry.

Alex is the Founder and CEO of Eternal. Before founding Eternal, Alex was the founder and CEO of The Athletic, a subscription sports media company founded in 2016. The Athletic reached 1M paid subscribers faster than any publishing company in history and sold to The New York Times in 2022 for $550M. Prior to The Athletic, Alex ran Product & Design for Strava, helping the platform go from 800 users to 10s of millions. Originally from Philadelphia, Alex lives in Presidio Heights with his wife, two kids, and golden retriever. 

Jon chats with Alex about:

• ​Alex's Journey as a Runner and Endurance Athlete
• ​Building Strava's Growth and Community
• ​The Athletic's Creation and Success Story
• ​Founding Eternal and Its Mission
• ​Leadership Philosophy and Team Building

Stay connected:

Follow Alex:

https://x.com/amather

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexemather/

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!
• ​Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!
• ​Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Eternal just added PCP capabilities for those in NY and CA to answer the question of, “so, does this mean you’re my doctor?”
• ​PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!
• ​AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at amazfit.com and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.

Sometimes the hardest race isn't 100 miles through the mountains - it's figuring out who you are when everything in your life changes.

Amanda is a professional trail runner and endurance coach with a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University. She has coached endurance athletes for 10 years in everything from 5k - 200 miles. She is an Oregonian originally and now lives and trains in Colorado. 

Amanda ran collegiately for a couple years and then got into road marathons. It wasn’t until 2014 that she discovered trail running after an injury from pounding the pavement. Amanda was instantly hooked and jumped into the ultra scene. She’s very competitive so she made it a goal to become an elite trail runner. She accomplished that goal in 2015 and won the 50 mile USATF Trail Championships as her first race as a professional. After that, she traveled the world and raced as many of the top trail races as she could, including Western States 100, UTMB, CCC, Tarawera and Ultra Trail Capetown.

Jon chats with Amanda about:

• Struggling with imposter syndrome as a professional runner

• Sports psychology work

• Moving from ultra volume to speed work and shorter distances

• Balancing professional obligations with family life

• Redefining success and moving beyond performance metrics

Stay connected:

Follow Amanda:

https://www.instagram.com/amanda_basham/

Amanda’s Website:

https://www.amandabasham.com/

This episode is supported by:

AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at amazfit.com and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.

Is it better to be well-lopsided or well-balanced?

Randi Zuckerberg is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, media personality, and endurance athlete who embodies a "portfolio approach to life." Currently serving as a radio host, investor, entrepreneur, author, and mother, Randi has built a diverse career spanning technology, media, and athletics.

Jon chats with Randi about:

• Her background in Silicon Valley

• Managing the pain cave

• Breaking age/gender stereotypes

• Applying business thinking to race planning and problem-solving

• Preparing to run Cocodona 250 again and other future races

  
  

Stay connected:

Follow Randi:

https://www.instagram.com/randizuckerberg/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/randizuckerberg

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!

• 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.

• Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!

• Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.

What happens when a mining town of 40,000 people shrinks to just 2,700 overnight, and then reinvents itself as one of America's most authentic mountain destinations? Today we're talking with Adam Ducharme about Leadville's incredible transformation from boom-and-bust mining to endurance sports mecca.

Adam Ducharme’s tourism journey started early; he was born in the Silver Lake Motel on Cape Cod and was helping check in guests and change sheets before he could tie his shoes. Now based in Leadville, Colorado, the highest incorporated city in America, Adam brings that lifelong passion for people and places to the Top of the Rockies. As the Tourism and Economic Development Director for Lake County, he focuses on building community trust, supporting local businesses, championing Destination Stewardship, and helping shape a resilient, thriving future for this treasured region. Adam lives in Leadville with his two awesome kids, Ayla and James. When he’s not working to make Leadville and Twin Lakes even more welcoming, you’ll probably find him chasing type-two fun, exploring the outdoors, and proving that the best adventures usually come with a little grit.

Jon chats with Adam about:

• The History of Leadville and Creation of Race Series

• Tourism & Economic Development

• Essentials When Visiting Leadville

• Infrastructure & Amenities

Stay connected:

Visit Leadville:

https://www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/visitleadville/

This episode is supported by:

Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.

What if you accomplished everything you wanted, but still felt empty?

Pierce Showe is in the business of extreme discipline — a language spoken by the world’s top performers. He spent the early part of his career as the right hand to Super Bowl champion Steve Weatherford before stepping fully into his calling as a faith-driven endurance athlete and coach.

He’s completed multiple 100- and 200-mile ultramarathons, an Ironman, and an Ultraman — pushing human limits with grit, purpose, and an unshakable faith in God. Most recently, Pierce broke the Guinness World Record for most consecutive treadmill half-marathons (153 days) to raise awareness for healthier school meals and the broken food system in America.

While Pierce’s faith is central to his life and message, his experiences and insights resonate with both faith-based and secular audiences. Whether speaking to entrepreneurs, athletes, or personal growth communities, he tailors each conversation to inspire action, build discipline, and help listeners push past their perceived limits.

Today, he helps high-achieving entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday athletes run the race set before them — physically, mentally, and spiritually — through the same principles of discipline, consistency, and faith that have shaped his life.

Jon chats with Pierce about:

• How Faith Grounds Pierce in Life, Running, and Business

• How he broke a Guiness World Record

• His second time running the Leadville 100

• His passion for addressing problems with the US Food System

• His Locked-In Mental Approach to Succeed in Races

Stay connected:

Follow Pierce:

Instagram: instagram.com/pierceshowe

YouTube: youtube.com/@pierceshowe

Website: www.runyourrace.com

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.

What happens when you quit your corporate job, go all-in on entrepreneurship, and decide to run 40 miles through the Colorado mountains? Today we're diving into how major life changes and epic trail adventures go hand in hand.

Having recently ran the Grand Traverse race with Emily, we dive into the details of the race experience, as well as other exciting life/career updates since Emily was last on the podcast in January.

Jon chats with Emily about:

• ​Life Updates and New Ventures
• ​Grand Traverse Race Logistics and Challenges
• ​Pacing, Low Points, and the Final Miles
• ​Future Plans and Reflections

Stay connected:

Follow Emily:

https://www.instagram.com/emilylaurelholland/

My Membership Community:

findmyhuddle.com

This episode is supported by:

PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!

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.

Pike’s Peak: Mark your calendars for September 19-21, 2025 for coverage of the Pike’s Peak Ascent and Marathon. Join us in-person or follow along on the For The Long Run Youtube channel!

Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off half marathon or FTLR5 for $5 off the 5k/10k when you register at www.boulderthon.org.

Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!

Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.

Most endurance athletes are making the same critical fueling mistake. Let’s learn how to avoid it so you can perform the best.

Kelsey Bailey is the lead Performance Dietitian for Eternal, a company providing high performance, personalized healthcare to athletes. She spent 8 years with Special Operations and is also a consulting Performance Dietitian within the tactical space of military, fire, and police. Her areas of specialty include understanding the unique demands of today’s world on the body to keep people healthy, thriving and performing throughout their life. She also has a vested interest in endurance sport, allostatic load, traumatic brain injury, fertility, environmental exposures, and gastrointestinal health. She lives in Denver with her husband and three rambunctious little boys.

Jon chats with Kelsey about:

• Kelsey's Military Background and Roles as a Dietitian and Mother

• Transition to Working with Pro Sports (Baseball/Hockey)

• Current Focus on Women's Health and Endurance Athletics

• Nutrition Fundamentals That Shape Your Health

• Navigating Social Media Misinformation

• How Eternal’s Services Can Help Guide You on Your Health Journey

Stay connected:

Follow Kelsey:

https://www.instagram.com/bwellcolorado/

This 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, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!

• Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.

PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!

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

Stay connected:

Follow Annie on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/anniefrisb3?igsh=MWFveWh3eXV0aDZvOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

This episode is supported by:

Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.

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 UTMB

• Expansion and Sustainability

• The Global Trail Running Boom

• Partnership with Ironman

• Maintaining Control and Expanding Globally

• Balancing Business and Community Values

Stay Connected:

Follow UTMB on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/utmbworldseries/?hl=en

UTMB’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 https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!

• 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.

Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.

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 Leadville

• Inspiration from Rob Krar

• The Importance of Story-Driven Brands

• Navigating Government and Contract Pressures

• Living and Training at High Altitude

Stay 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 ears. ⁠Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase. 

• 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, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Go to tifosioptics.com and use code “HAPPY35” at checkout to save 35% (only on 8/15/25 until midnight PT). Otherwise, you can use code “FTLR2025” to save 20% anytime.

  Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!