Kentucky Running

How can you protect yourself on the roads and the trails? What gear is essential for runners to carry? What should you do if you think you're being followed? These aren't fun questions to think about, but they're important ones.

Varinka Ensminger is an accomplished runner, a security manager for the Department of Defense, a trainer for the U.S. Army, and a former forensic detective for the Lexington Police Department. In this episode, Varinka shares a wealth of knowledge on runner safety. She'll share tips on essential safety gear, how to find the safest spots to run, what to do if you're being followed, and more.

Plus, we'll check in with Conor, our Brooks Guru, for details on the new Glycerin and Adrenaline.

Links to resources discussed in this episode:

• Lexington Crime Data
• The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Lexington
• S.T.A.R.R. Program (Self Defense Tactics and Risk Reduction)

Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored by Currex insoles.

Join our running club!

Katie Ullery-Syvarth is a registered dietician who works with athletes to address issues of underfueling and eating disorders. In this episode, Katie talks about proper fueling, warning signs of eating disorders, and how coaches and parents can help young athletes who might be experiencing disordered eating.

Nutrition.At.Play

JRWS Training Programs

HOKA Bondi 9

Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored by Currex insoles.

Join our running club!

After the tragic loss of one of their members, Frontrunners Lexington launched an initiative to quantify the number of drivers running red lights in Lexington. Matt talks to Jason Schubert of Frontrunners to discuss this community-led effort and what the next steps will be as they work toward a safer city.

Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored by Currex insoles.

Join our running club!

For years, RunTheBluegrass has been one of Kentucky's premier running events. On this episode, John's Run/Walk Shop General Manager Riley Marshall talks with RunTheBluegrass founder Eric Patrick Marr to discuss the exciting news about America's Prettiest Half Marathon.

They describe what makes RunTheBluegrass special and what updates are being made now that the race is under the management of John's Bluegrass Racing Company.

Sign up for RunTheBluegrass

Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored by Currex insoles.

Join our running club!

Physical therapist Kelsey Karnes of MoveSmart returns to Kentucky Running to discuss recovery strategies. How does recovery differ based on the distance you're training for? How do busy runners build in recovery time? What's the best time to foam roll? Listen for Kelsey's answers to these questions and more.

Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored by Currex insoles.

Join our running club!

Heidi Guckenberger is the Executive Director of Girls on the Run Central Kentucky, which has spent the past 15 years helping local girls build confidence and healthy relationships through running. Heidi discusses the history of the organization and the impact its made in Central Kentucky.

We also talk with our New Balance tech rep about the latest version of the popular 1080 ... and how you could win a pair!

Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored by Currex insoles.

Join our running club!

Griffin VanMeter joins John's Run/Walk Shop General Manager Riley Marshall to discuss the Yes for Parks ballot initiative. Griffin wants the city to establish a dedicated fund for Lexington's parks, providing over $8 million annually to improve and develop neighborhood parks, playgrounds, walking and hiking trails, and other recreation facilities in our city. Learn more at yesforparkslex.com.

Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored by Currex insoles.

Join our running clubs!

Lexington’s GreenCheck program is a great way for local businesses to work toward more environmentally friendly practices. To learn more about this program, we talk with Chrissie Balding, from the City of Lexington Division of Environmental Services Sustainability Section.

She tells us about GreenCheck, Reforest the Bluegrass, and what individuals can do to make sure Central Kentucky stays healthy and beautiful for generations to come.

We also chat with our Brooks Guru, Conor, about the brand new Glycerin Max. Head to John's to try on this new high-cushion daily trainer!

Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored by Currex insoles.

Episode Links:

GreenCheck | City of Lexington Sustainability | Live Green Lexington | Reforest the Bluegrass | Reforest 5K

Other Kentucky Running episodes about sustainability:

Recover Brands | A Week Without Driving | Sneaker Impact

University of Kentucky HealthCare registered dietician Kayla Dudick joins the show to talk about nutrition for runners. She educates us about carbs, vitamins, protein for vegetarians, fad diets, and more.

We also discuss the recently launched John's Bluegrass Running Club, a community of local runners and walkers with fun member perks. Learn more at our website.

Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored by Currex insoles.

To make our races more environmentally friendly, John's Bluegrass Racing Company has been getting race shirts from Recover Brands. On this episode, we talk with Recover Marketing Director Adam Bratton to discuss their mission, their process, and how to watch out for greenwashing.

Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop and sponsored by Currex Insoles.

Learn more about Recover Brands, and read their article on greenwashing.