Want to build your mental strength and confidence before your next race?

Neal Palles is an ultrarunning coach and a psychotherapist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant.

Through his private practice, Colorado Psychotherapy and Sport Performance, he works with athletes who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or a performance related issue to help them focus on what matters.

Listen to hear about:

• Jon’s performance and mentality at the Black Canyon 50k
• The difference between confidence and self-compassion
• Why failure should be normalized since it’s the first step toward learning
• Setting appropriate goals for the long haul (or run)

Stay connected:

• Neal on Instagram: instagram.com/nealpalles and instagram.com/coloradopsychotherapyandsport 
• 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

This episode is supported by:

• Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.
• 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.
• 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.
• Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.

Boston is coming up next week, and to celebrate, we have a special bonus episode with you to give you the complete guide to the Boston Marathon experience with George Woodward.

George Woodward is a father, data scientist, runner, and certified coach who came to running and racing late in life. Boston 2025 will be Marathon number 21 and Boston number nine. 

He runs with the Somerville Road Runners in USATF events and runs for fun with November Project and the Heartbreakers. Running has allowed him to meet many fantastic people and has added richness to his life.

Listen to hear about:

• The FULL race weekend experience

• How the Boston Marathon presents challenging experiences for all runners

• Pro tips for the Athlete Village

• A mile-by-mile preview of the course itself

Helpful links:

• Somerville Road Runners

• Boston Marathon

• George’s Instagram

• George’s Threads
  

Family life in an athletic family can be a balancing act.

Jenny Jurek is an avid runner and adventure seeker sharing her passion of the outdoors with her two young children and husband, Scott Jurek.

After twenty years designing sustainable outdoor apparel, she recently launched her own business, “Always Up”, which offers performance products that empower parents to stay active during pregnancy and beyond.

Listen to hear about:

• Camaraderie and community of running ultramarathons
• Navigating athletic objectives while being a mom
• Writing the book “North” with Scott
• How a career in design and love for trail running complement each other 
• Maintaining your own identity when your partner is a famous runner 
• Challenges and rewards of raising kids in a place like Boulder, CO

Stay connected:

• Jenny on Instagram: instagram.com/jureksontherun
• Jenny on YouTube: youtube.com/@jureksontherun
• Always Up Website: alwaysup.love
• NORTH on Amazon amazon.com/North-Finding-While-Running-Appalachian/dp/0316433799
• 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

This 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.
• 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 FTLR10 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. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.

What does it take to build a passion-based activewear line?

Caitlyn Miller is a 26 year old business owner and marathon runner. Caitlyn’s business, Expntl Athletics, specializes in activewear for distance runners. 

Listen to hear about:

• How social media helped Caitlyn connect to audiences and build a brand
• Navigating the mental and physical aspects of a sacrum injury
• Distinguishing between good and bad pain and learning to trust your body again
• The vision and inspiration of Expntl Athletics
• Bringing authenticity and passion to entrepreneurship 

Stay connected:

• Caitlyn on Instagram: instagram.com/caitlynmiller_fit/
• Caitlyn on Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@caitlynmiller_fit
• Caitlyn on Youtube: youtube.com/@caitlynmiller_fit
• 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

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. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.
• PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at www.puma.com.
• 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 FTLR10 for 10% off your purchase.

Golfing might help your running more than you’d think.

Scott Stallings is a 3x PGA Tour winner who earned the reputation as "The Fittest on Tour" due to his fitness-first lifestyle.

In April, Scott will be participating in the 2025 Boston Marathon - his first-ever Marathon - while raising funds for and supporting Golf Fights Cancer, a non-profit organization that raises funds for cancer-related organizations and families living with the disease.

Listen to hear about:

• Balancing a professional golf career, being a father, and training to run 
• Golf’s attention to detail, preparation, and adaptation being similar to running
• Starting from scratch with running 
• Mental and physical challenges of training for the Boston Marathon 
• The addictive nature of running and its community

Stay connected:

• Scott on Instagram: instagram.com/scottstallings
• Support Golf Fights Cancer: golffightscancer.org/what-we-do
• 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

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 boulderthon.org.
• Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.
• PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at puma.com.
• 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 FTLR10 for 10% off your purchase.

Elite athletes deal with many of the same challenges that recreational runners do.

Adam Vadeboncoeur’s been running for over 20 years but is now finding his stride in his mid 30’s. Over the past few years, he’s gained his first Team USA spot for 50km World Championships, a 100k road national title, and a sub 2:18 marathon.

Listen to hear about:

• Imposter syndrome and mental game
• How volunteer firefighting fits into Adam’s training
• Product sponsorships to pro contract discussions
• The running community in Boulder

Stay connected:

• Adam on Instagram instagram.com/adam_vadeboncoeur 
• 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

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.
• PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLR20 at www.puma.com.
• Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.

The Marathon Project is back and bigger than ever.

Ben Rosario spent two years as a member of the Hansons Brooks Distance Project, was the special events director for the GO! Saint Louis Marathon, founded the Northern Arizona Elite professional team, and co-founded a specialty running store--Big River Running Company.

Now, Ben’s the CEO of The Marathon Project, an annual event in Chandler, Arizona that features an amateur and a professional marathon in one weekend.

Listen to hear about:

• What does success mean, anyway?
• Origins of and goals for The Marathon Project
• The 2025 event, including an all-ages, all abilities 5k, a gold wave marathon for amateurs, and a pro marathon.
• The impact of super shoes on the current running boom
• Ben’s coaching philosophy and structuring a year for peak marathon performance

Stay connected:

• The Marathon Project: themarathonproject.com
• Ben on Instagram: instagram.com/coachbenrosario1 
• The Marathon Project on Instagram: instagram.com/marathonproj
• X: @themarathonproj
• BlueSky: @themarathonproject
• 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

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 FTLR10 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. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.

In a world of diet culture, nutrition for running can feel complex and exhausting– but it shouldn’t be.

Zoë Rom is a writer and journalist based in Carbondale, CO. Kylee Van Horn is the founder of sports nutrition business Flynutrition, which helps runners, triathletes, cyclists, and skiers to learn not only the ‘why’ but the ‘how’ behind fueling for performance.

Together, Zoë and Kylee host the podcast Your Diet Sucks.

Listen to hear about:

• How Zoë and Kylee found themselves in the running and nutrition spaces
• Why they started Your Diet Sucks
• The challenges of making informed nutrition decisions in a world influenced by social media and branding
• Hot takes on sports nutrition and diet culture, from raw milk to socio-economic factors

Stay connected:

• Your Diet Sucks on Instagram: instagram.com/yourdietsuckspod
• Kylee on Instagram: instagram.com/flynutrition3 
• Kylee’s book, Practical Fueling for Endurance Athletes
• 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

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. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.
• PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLR20 at www.puma.com.
• Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.

Fueling your sports can be a lot simpler than you may think.

Aaron Gouw and Gabe Multer co-founded Carbs Fuel, an emerging brand in the endurance sports nutrition space.

Carbs Fuel believes that fueling shouldn’t be reserved to the affluent minority. Their flagship product is their Original 50g Energy Gel.

Listen to hear about:

• How Aaron’s and Gabe’s passion for running and cycling drove them to examine sports nutrition
• The recent evolution of fueling towards high carb intake
• The science of high carb fueling and strategies you can use
• The origin story of Carbs Fuel, and recent challenges and successes

Stay connected:

• Carbs Fuel on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/carbsfuel, https://www.facebook.com/carbsfuel, https://www.linkedin.com/company/carbsfuel 
• 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

This episode is supported by:

• Fuel Goods: Get all of your endurance sports nutrition goodies from one place and support an Asheville-based local business. You may even get a free FTLR hat in your custom box! Use code FTLR10.  https://fuelgoods.com/pages/forthelongrun 
• Shokz: They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears.⁠Use code FTLR10 for 10% off your purchase. 
• 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 offer here!

This chat with a coach will have you reworking your running goals to be even more impactful.

Tucker Grose is an endurance athlete and coach who enjoys competing over a variety of distances and surfaces.

In 2024 alone, he completed events from 800m on the track to 100k on the trails.

Tucker’s helped over 100 athletes incorporate running into their lives in a sustainable and health focused way.

Listen to hear about:

• Managing your own running while also coaching others

• Using curiosity as a driver toward goals

• Coaching high school athletes while emphasizing fun and health over competition

• Decreasing the size of our environmental footprint

• Holistic approaches to training including rest, nutrition, and building a support team

Stay connected:

• Tucker on Instagram: instagram.com/trainingwithtucker

• Tucker on Youtube: youtube.com/@trainingwithtucker6962 

• Tucker’s website: trainingwithtucker.com

• 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

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 FTLR10 for 10% off your purchase.