Pursuit Athletic Performance Podcast

Hi Everyone!

You might be surprised to read that I think the front plank could be considered a sort of "dumb" exercise, IF YOUR goal is to improve your durability as a runner and reduce your risk of injury.

As an endurance athlete, core stability is what you're after. Certainly, the front plank can help develop strength and endurance in the front of the body, but if your goal is to improve durability and speed, the front plank fails miserably.

Lots of people like to work on the muscles that make them look good in a bathing suit. If that's your aim, carry on.

BUT... if your mission is to create a good, solid, stable core in three planes of motion, the half front plank with a reach AND the side plank will give you a much better payoff for time and energy spent. These plank exercises challenge transverse and frontal plane motions respectively, and they are too often ignored.

In addition to this podcast, click on the image below to check out a 59-second video I did for Instagram and Facebook, where I show you one other, different but much more productive way to train core stability!

To your success,

~Coach Al

 

Hey everyone! Coach Al here.

Today I am once again honored and pleased to welcome back onto the podcast, Dr. Omid Fotuhi, runner, triathlete, and project manager for the Stanford University Interventions Lab. It has been almost a year since we last had Omid on the podcast; I’ve personally been anxious to get him back on so we all could continue to learn from him and his research team.

Without a doubt, that first podcast we did together (Episode 58, which you can listen to by going HERE) was one of our most popular ever.

In Part 1 of our chat (Part 2 coming soon), we discussed what he’s learned about how we all can better use the power of our mind to explode our potential! Such as…

* The important interplay between our own belief systems and effective goal setting.

* The three types of goals / goal setting, and how they work individually and collectively to empower us to greater achievement and self actualization.

* Fixed and growth mindsets: Which is more likely to lead to reaching one’s potential?

* The most effective strategies for reaching beyond our fears and achieving more than we ever thought we could!

* And much more!

Thanks everyone for joining us and tuning in, we appreciate it. I am already looking forward to sharing Part 2 of our discussion soon!

Happy Trails!

~Coach Al

I’m honored to have two special guests on the podcast today: Jean Mellano, author of the memoir Slipped Away, and veteran, founding member, and executive director of the Airborne TriTeam, Ron Hurtado.

Some background: I first met Steve Tarpinian in 1996 after deciding to attend his “Swim Power” clinic at the Nassau County Aquatic Center in Long Island, NY.

I was hoping to learn how to overcome my fear of the water and how to swim. If you’re thinking that’s not exactly an easy task for a 36-year-old having experienced a near drowning as a 10-year-old kid, you’d be right.

I arrived as a anxious newbie, wondering what the day would bring. When I left at the end of the day, I had made a friend for life and also come to know one of the best teachers, coaches and men I’ll ever know.

Sadly, on March 15, 2015, that great teacher, coach, mentor…lost his war on depression, and took his own life.

Fast forward a short time later, Steve’s soulmate and partner of 35 years, Jean Mellano, after reading all of the heartfelt remembrences of Steve on the popular Slowtwitch.com forum, decided to write a memoir to honor Steve’s legacy and bring more awareness to mental illness, specifically depression. She titled it Slipped Away.

In Jean’s words,“there is still so much stigma and embarassment attached to depression, which further adds to the suffering of those afflicted. Mental illness is where Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDs, and cancer were many years ago in terms of no one wanting to talk about it.”

In today’s podcast, Ron, Jean and I discuss many things including Steve’s legacy, such as:

* Why and how the book, Slipped Away, came to be.

* Project9line, a Long Island based non-profit organization that supports veterans suffering from PTSD and depression, and which receives the majority of the proceeds from the sale of the book.

* The Airborne TriTeam, another Long Island based non-profit organization started by Ron, specifically created for mentally and physically challenged war veterans. The team has a unique and strong connection to Steve and his legacy.

* What we can all do to help those suffering from PTSD and other forms of mental illness.

In Jean’s words: “To many people who knew him, Steve had it all and appeared to be on top of the world. Hindsight is 20/20; we now know things weren’t always as they seemed. In many instances, people who suffer from depression and mental illness hide it very well. If someone close to you has a pattern of “going dark” (not returning phone calls or emails, etc.), it could be more than just them being busy or forgetful. When this happens too often, perhaps a little more compassion and understanding for that person may be in order.”

Jean believes Steve’s true legacy and how he should be remembered isn’t as a great coach, race-director or athlete who took his own life, but rather, as a human being who did his very best to make people feel good about themselves and who inspired them to accomplish things they never thought they could do. I couldn’t agree more.

Thank you Jean and Ron, and everyone who joined to listen in to this podcast.

To learn even more about the memoir and about Steve, or to purchase a copy, visit the website HERE. It’s also available on

 

Today I am really psyched to welcome onto the podcast, Dr. Omid Fotuhi, triathlete and project manager for the Stanford University Interventions Lab. I truly believe the topics we discuss on the podcast today will have a profound impact on anyone listening in. The group of researchers led by Dr. Fotuhi are doing absolutely state-of-the-art research on mindset and performance!

Dr. Fotuhi and his colleagues at the Interventions Lab describe their research as “focused on identifying psychological barriers that impede performance and well-being, and leveraging those insights to create theory-driven interventions that target those barriers.” Here’s a link to a short video that provides a brief look at the work they do.

In this podcast, Dr. Fotuhi shares his experience and research on topics such as:

* What are some of the most common patterns of beliefs and thoughts that we all have, and how do those correlate with our performance?

* Do seemingly inconsequential events have an impact on how we see ourselves and therefore how we perform in races?

* How is our own motivation to train and race to our ultimate potential impacted by how we see ourselves and the world?

* Having a fixed or growth mindset: Which is more likely to lead to reaching one’s potential?

* What can we do to improve our ability to persist in the face of adversity, to experience less negativity and perform better at our races?

* And much more!

I personally found our discussion incredibly valuable, especially from a coaching perspective. I learned a lot and encourage everyone to listen in. This is powerful stuff!

Happy Trails!

~Coach Al

 

Today I am excited to welcome Ethan Veneklasen and Debbie Livingston to the podcast. Without a doubt, this was one of my favorite podcasts to date!

I had the opportunity to connect with Ethan after this year’s Miwok 100k. All three of us were there to race. Miwok is one of those old classic races in the ultra-running world. Held on May 2nd in the Marin Headlands outside of San Francisco, Debbie and Ethan ran a little bit of the course together that day.

Ethan is one of those great guys who seems to know everyone in the ultra-running world! Besides being a co-host of the ever popular ultra runner podcast (over 150k downloads per month!), he’s also a Hoka One One and VFuel ambassador.

As for “Deb,” anyone who listens to this podcast knows who she is. Mom and wife, elite ultra-runner, coach, yoga teacher and steward of all things mother-nature and the environment, she was last on the podcast with me when we visited with James Varner and the Trail Running Film Festival back in February.

In June of last year, I did an interview with Debbie for the podcast. It’s a fantastic chat where she shares some of her secrets to success, as well as discussing those things (like trail running, ultra-running, caring for the environment, her family) that are most important to her! She’s one of the best!

In this podcast, we have a really informative and fun discussion on topics such as:

* How far the unique sport of ultra-running has come in such a short period of time.

* Why they feel trail running is special, unique, and so very different from road running.

* Their “story” and some of the important things that have changed their lives and brought them to this point in time. Ethan has a unique one – you can read more about it here.

* Miwok 100k: This was Ethan’s 2nd try, after a DNF last year. Debbie ended up as 4th woman! What makes this race so amazing and special?!

* Tips for those who want to get started in the sport. You CAN do it! 🙂

* And much more!

I’d like both of them for joining me today. I sincerely hope you enjoy the chat and are inspired to get out there and hit the trails! All the best!

~Coach Al

 

Today I am pleased to welcome podiatrist Rebecca Rushton of Esperance Podiatry in Esperance, Australia, to the podcast. Without a doubt, Rebecca is one of the world’s foremost experts on blisters!

Now if you’ve never struggled with a blister, then the information she has to share might not seem all that important. I believe however, that at some point in the future, each and every runner or endurance athlete will experience a blister, and probably at the worst possible time. What we can all learn from Rebecca could make the difference between a painful struggle to the finish line, or busting a new PR with a smile.

Some of the things we discuss in this podcast:

* What are the most pervasive myths surrounding blisters? There are plenty!

* What’s the difference between rubbing and shearing and why does it matter?

* Are certain folks more prone to blisters?

* What about shoe fit and lacing options?

* Do lubricants like vaseline or powders work to reduce blister risk, or are you actually making things worse by using them? (Hint: I unfortunately discovered this during my last race, a 50 mile trail race in Florida a little over two weeks ago! Not good). 🙂

* And much more!

Rebecca has created a terrific FREE online resource called The Advanced Guide to Blister Prevention. If you want one single resource that will be your go-to for all things blisters, this is definitely it.

For more resources from Rebecca on how to take the mystery out of blisters, go to her website.

I’d like to thank Rebecca for joining me today. I sincerely hope this short 25 minute podcast makes a difference for someone out there who, at some point in the future will be able to avoid a blister, rather than struggle with one. Happy Trails everyone!

~Coach Al

 

Today I am pleased to welcome Troy M. Anderson of Anderson Training Systems as a guest on our podcast.

Troy is an RKC Kettlebell Instructor, a DVRT Master Instructor, and most importantly perhaps, is a self described “farm kid driven to spread the good word of the ACCESSIBILITY of kettlebells, sandbags, bodyweight training, and UN-Apologetic Living.”

Because I’m a believer in the value of the kettlebell as an awesome training tool to get stronger AND improve movement quality, and because I’ve had the opportunity to see some of the great work Troy is doing out in his training space in Tempe, Arizona and also online, I thought it would be beneficial to bring him onto the podcast and have him share some of his insights with all of you.

Among the topics we discuss:

* Strength Training: A plethora of strength related info, such as his philosophy, his favorite training tools and toys, and some of the valuable and hard earned lessons he’s learned along the way.

* Getting leaner: What works and what doesn’t to really drop unwanted body fat.

* Why he looks at training with the kettlebell a bit differently than most trainers (and the benefits which can be gained by taking a different approach).

* What you can learn from his experience as someone who lifted very heavy weights at one time (the day he lifted the most weight ever, was also the last day he tried to).

* His passion for making the “bell” and other tools like the sandbag, “accessible” for every person, regardless of age, size, or talent!

If you’d like to read more:

* Check out Troy’s website, Alpha Kettlebell , which features a ton of interesting kettlebell workouts.

* Troy recently published an interesting article on the Dragon Door website called Swing 2.0: An Athletic and Accessible Approach.

I’d like to convey my sincerest thanks to Troy for joining me today. Even though most of you reading this are endurance athletes who sometimes can find yourself shying away from big strong dudes like Troy, I know you will learn a great deal, so tune in and enjoy! Happy Trails everyone!

~Coach Al

In today’s Episode 54, we are psyched to welcome race director and trail running junkie, James Varner of Rainshadow Running and The Trail Running Film Festival. Also joining us is our own ultra runner extraordinaire and coach, Debbie Livingston.

The Trail Running Film Festival is coming to the east coast this spring, highlighted by a local showing on Wednesday, March 4th, in Hartford, Conn. (For tickets to this show and others, as well as more information, go here).

In our conversation with James, we talk about…

* How the Trail Running Film Festival got started and how the events are structured. (Can you say lots of community, food, fun, and a little beer too? Woo!)

* Rainshadow Races: Where and what they’re all about. As their motto says, “why run anywhere else?”

* A little bit of history of trail films, and why James and Rainshadow (as well as those of us at Pursuit) are so passionate about sharing these films and bringing them to the world for all to enjoy.

* Which specific films are featured in the Trail Running Film Festival, as well as additional dates and locations.

* Practical tips and tricks for those of you who might be new to trail running or would like to learn more and enjoy it more!

* Our upcoming Pursuit Athletic Performance Cedar Lake Trail Running Camp and Retreat, from Friday, May 29 to Sunday, May 31, 2015. (Come join us!)

**James ALSO did a podcast with the Ultrarunnerpodcast back in 2014 where he talks about the film festival and other cool topics. To listen to that interview, go here.

**To check out the Trail Running Film Festival on Facebook, go here.

And finally, to learn more about all of the great events in the Pacific Northwest put on by Rainshadow Running, go here.

Safe and happy trails everyone!

~Coach Al

 

 

In today’s Episode 53, we are launching a brand NEW segment (recommended to us by many listeners) in which we will interview and feature different members of Team Pursuit Athletic Performance. We’ll call this segment: Meet The Team!

We’re honored today to have Colleen Kelly Alexander and her husband, Sean Alexander, as podcast guests.

Many of you reading this are familiar with Colleen’s story. In today’s podcast visit with “Team Alexander,” you’ll meet them in person and learn about:

* The events of October 8, 2011: What happened to Colleen and how the world changed forever that day.

* The various first-responders, medical and fire personnel, and so many other “heros” who were vital to Colleen’s survival and recovery….and the hero that she ended up discovering inside of herself.

* The critical role Sean played in her recovery.

* The role that Pursuit Athletic Performance has played in their athletic growth and development.

* Their individual and collective purpose, passion, and focus, as they move forward with an incredible attitude of gratitude.

If you’d like to learn even more about Colleen’s story of SURVIVAL or would like to have Colleen come and speak to your group, you can contact her directly right through her website here.

We’re very honored to have them both as members of our triathlon team, AND also as personal trainers here at Pursuit Athletic Performance.

And we’re pleased to bring them both to you on the podcast. Enjoy!

~Dr. Strecker, and Coach Al

 

 

If you are like so many endurance athletes everywhere who enjoy toeing the line at a race (be it sprint or iron distance triathlon, running, cycling, or Spartan), it’s quite likely that you have either just completed your “A” priority race for the year or are about to in the next few weeks.

In today’s podcast with Functional Wellbeing Coach Olivia Syptak as our guest, we talk about the vast range of emotion we often face after that “big” A race or event. We also discuss specific strategies you can employ RIGHT NOW that will help you maintain forward momentum and build on your experience moving forward.

That post-race emotion can range from the immediate euphoria of the finish to the emptiness that can set in in the days that follow, to the depression that can arise in the face of a “DNF” or a result that didn’t align with our target.

Regardless of whether that race was a huge success or a disapointment, the post-race period of time offers the opportunity to spend time with the concepts of awareness (of what we’re feeling at any given time), acceptance and acknowledgment (of those feelings), and recognition (that whatever feelings or thoughts are there, elated or downtrodden, they are all temporary). At the same time, we will benefit by maintaining and even building and reinforcing a positive and optimistic view that will help us continue to learn and improve.

Thanks for joining us on today’s podcast. Safe training and happy trails!

~Olivia, Dr. Strecker, and Coach Al