Run with Fitpage

In this episode of Run with Fitpage, we have the Founders and Race Directors of the iconic race, UTMB(Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc), Catherine and Michell Poletti to discuss all the history and race qualification criteria, with our host Vikas Singh.

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is one of the most renowned and challenging endurance trail running races in the world. Held annually in the breathtaking mountainous region of the Mont-Blanc massif, spanning France, Italy, and Switzerland, the UTMB attracts elite athletes and passionate trail runners from across the globe. The race covers approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) with a staggering total elevation gain of over 10,000 meters (32,800 feet). Participants endure treacherous terrains, unpredictable weather conditions, and grueling ascents and descents, pushing their physical and mental limits to the extreme. The UTMB is a true test of endurance, strength, and determination, offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience in the heart of the majestic Mont-Blanc mountain range.

About The Founders:
Born in Saintes in 1953, into an intellectual sphere where the passion was for music and the arts, Catherine, a pianist (1st prize in the regional conservatory), was the eldest of five children. Until adulthood, after 5 years in Morocco, her education was in Valence ending with two years of law before entering Pierre Mendes France University in Grenoble to study the “IT and mathematics applied to human and social sciences” program before continuing with psychology and then biology. It was while studying at this university that she met Michel in 1975. Born the second in an entrepreneurial family, Michel spent a childhood marked by the mountains, skiing, and above all cross-country skiing. After studying “IT and mathematics applied to human and social sciences” he did a masters in IT. After their marriage in 1977, and the birth of their first daughter Isabelle in 1979, they left Grenoble « returning to the country » and Chamonix. Michel’s enthusiasm for cross-country skiing has stayed with him throughout this time and participated in long-distance races. 

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Twitter: @vikashsingh1010

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In this episode of Run with Fitpage, we have the Founder of Xero Shoes, Steven Sashen. Steven talks us through the journey of Xero Shoes, why zero-drop shoes are good for running, and a lot more with our host Vikas Singh.

As Co-Founder and CEO, Steven Sashen is the visionary and marketer of Xero Shoes. Steven got back into sprinting after a 30-year break, at 45, and suffered repeated injuries over the next 2 years. When he ditched the shoes and started running barefoot, his gait changed, his injuries disappeared and he became a Masters All-American Sprinter – one of the fastest men his age in the US (now 60+). After fashioning his own huarache-style sandals, he started getting compliments from people around town. A natural entrepreneur, Steven and his wife, Lena Phoenix, launched Xero Shoes in 2009. They bootstrapped the business from home, and since then, Xero Shoes has grown to a multi-million dollar company with more than 38 shoes, boots, and sandals. The co-founders appeared on Shark Tank in 2013 and turned down a $400K investment, and Xero Shoes has been listed on the Inc. 5000 for six consecutive years.

Prior to jumping into the footwear business, Steven was an internationally-known Internet marketing expert, Search Engine and Social Media marketing consultant, and software designer. He is the creator of Scriptware, the industry-standard word processor for film and TV writers. He also co-hosted the Emmy award-winning, internationally syndicated TV show, Disk Doctors.

Find Steven on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube.

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Twitter: @vikashsingh1010

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In this episode of "Run with Fitpage," we feature Wayne Larden, Race Director of the Sydney Marathon, one of the three contenders vying to become part of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. Join Wayne, an avid runner himself, as he shares compelling reasons why you should participate in this year's Sydney Marathon and provides comprehensive details you need to know.

The Sydney Marathon, presented by ASICS, is a highly anticipated annual running event catering to participants of all levels, offering a truly inclusive and enjoyable experience. With a range of distances available, from the challenging full marathon to the beginner-friendly 3.5k Family Run, the event appeals to a diverse audience. Notably, the race culminates at the iconic Sydney Opera House, providing a picturesque and memorable backdrop.

As the only running event in Australia broadcast live each year, the Sydney Marathon draws over 40,000 participants worldwide, making a significant impact on charitable organizations. Owned by Athletics Australia and expertly managed by Pont3, the event holds a unique place as a participant legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Discover more about the Sydney Marathon at sydneymarathon.com. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with Wayne Larden, an accomplished CEO of Pont3 and an esteemed leader in marathon event management. With his strategic prowess, risk management acumen, and dedication to excellence, Wayne continues to push boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the events he leads.

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Twitter: @vikashsingh1010

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In this episode of Run with Fitpage, we have another great guest - Ted McDonald, or fondly known as "Barefoot Ted". Ted talks about his running journey and gives us some great insights about life in general, and the right way to live and move with our host, Vikas Singh.

Ted is a well-known figure in the world of barefoot running and natural movement. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Ted embarked on a transformative journey that led him to become a prominent advocate for minimalist footwear and reconnect with our primal roots. After experiencing foot pain and various injuries while running in traditional shoes, Ted discovered the benefits of barefoot running and started exploring the concept of natural movement. Inspired by the Tarahumara Indians from the Copper Canyons of Mexico, he became an influential figure in the barefoot running movement.

Ted's passion for barefoot running and minimalist footwear drove him to co-found the minimalist shoe company Luna Sandals. He played a pivotal role in popularizing huarache-style sandals that mimic the barefoot experience, providing comfort, flexibility, and a sense of connection to the ground. Beyond his contributions as an entrepreneur, Ted has been an engaging speaker, sharing his experiences and insights at various events and conferences worldwide. His energetic and charismatic personality, combined with his deep knowledge of natural movement, has made him a sought-after figure in the running and wellness community. Ted McDonald continues to inspire others to embrace the joy and freedom of running and moving naturally, encouraging individuals to explore their own potential for optimal health and vitality.

Know more about Ted at www.barefootted.com

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Twitter: @vikashsingh1010

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In this episode of Run with Fitpage, we have the legendary biomechanics researcher - Dr. Benno Nigg. Dr. Nigg and Vikas discuss foot biomechanics, the myths around running shoes, flat feet, pronation, and a lot more in this episode.

Dr. Benno Maurus Nigg is a Swiss-Canadian sports scientist and biomechanist. Born in Walenstadt, Switzerland, Nigg's academic journey took him from studying physics at the Technical University of Hanover and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) to becoming the scientific director of the biomechanics laboratory at ETH. With a passion for understanding human movement, Nigg established himself as a leading expert in the field, serving as the Chair of Biomechanics at the University of Calgary and creating a world-renowned biomechanics laboratory in preparation for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Throughout his career, Nigg received prestigious honors and held important leadership positions, leaving a lasting impact on the study of biomechanics. He was also recognized as a fellow of the International Academy for Medical and Biological Engineering in 1998 and the Canadian Society for Biomechanics in 2002. Join us as we delve into the achievements and contributions of this influential figure in sports science.

To purchase Dr. Benno Nigg's book, visit www.biomechanigg.com or write to [email protected].

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Gmail: [email protected]
Twitter: @vikashsingh1010

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In this episode for Run with Fitpage, we speak to Mihira Khopkar, the Lead Sports Nutritionist at Reliance Youth Sports Foundation and is a Sports Nutritionist in the Sports Medicine Department of Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital. Mihira and Vikas talk about the importance of different tests and nutrition strategies for runners.

Ms. Mihira Khopkar is a highly accomplished nutritionist specializing in sports nutrition and therapeutic diets. With a BHSC degree from SVT College of Home Science and an MSc. in Sports Nutrition from the College of Home Science, Nirmala Niketan, she possesses a strong educational foundation in the field. Furthermore, Ms. Khopkar holds a Level 1 Anthropometrist certification from the International Society for Advancement of Kinanthropometry, which reflects her commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in her field. Her expertise lies in crafting personalized diet plans tailored to an individual's body composition and nutritional needs, with the goal of optimizing performance, preventing injuries, expediting recovery, and enhancing long-term immunity. She has garnered extensive experience as a sports and therapeutic nutritionist, having worked with prestigious sports centers and clubs catering to both under-fifteen and over-fifteen age groups. Additionally, Ms. Khopkar's passion for writing has led her to contribute valuable insights on fitness, sports, and clinical nutrition to renowned organizations such as B positive, Health, Ian Somerhalder Foundation, and Health beyond Fitness. Her comprehensive knowledge and dedication make her an invaluable asset in the realm of nutrition and well-being.

Get Mihira's Book on Amazon
Follow Mihira on Instagram @mihirakhopkar

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Gmail: [email protected]
Twitter: @vikashsingh1010

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In episode 120 of Run with Fitpage, we have the very well-known coach, who rose to fame after Tokyo Olympics 2020 - Coach Jonathan Green. Vikas and Jon sit together to discuss Molly Seidel's Olympic win, her training, and Jon's training methodologies in this episode. 

Jon Green is a highly accomplished coach who has worked with some of the biggest names in the world of professional running. After a successful career as an All-American at Georgetown, Jon began coaching professionally and has since coached athletes to Olympic glory. His most notable success story is Molly Seidel, a former teammate who he began coaching in 2019. Under his guidance, Molly qualified for the United States Olympic team in her debut marathon and won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Jon's coaching philosophy is a unique combination of holistic and scientific approaches, which has enabled both amateur and professional athletes to achieve success.

In addition to his work with professional athletes, Jon is also dedicated to helping everyday joggers achieve their goals. He offers coaching services for post-collegiate runners as well as recreational joggers and believes that everyone has the potential to improve with the right training and guidance. His coaching approach is centered around making running fun, and this philosophy is at the heart of Verde Track Club, his latest venture. Based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Jon is excited to bring together an international team of athletes of all abilities and to guide each athlete toward reaching their full potential.

Reach out to Jonathan on Instagram @gogreenxc
To receive coaching advice, visit www.verdetrackclub.com

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Gmail: [email protected]
Twitter: @vikashsingh1010

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In this episode of Run with Fitpage, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Luca Filipas, a researcher and coach with expertise in different training models - both - practical and theoretical. Vikas and Dr. Filipas discuss how periodization works along with his extensive research on the topic of the Pyramidal vs Polarised training model. 

Dr. Luca Filipas is an endurance coach and Sports Scientist with over a decade of experience working with both amateur and professional athletes. He has a wide-ranging academic background, having earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Sports Science, a master's degree in Exercise Physiology, and a Ph.D. in Biomechanics and Motor Control. Dr. Filipas' passion for endurance sports began with running, and he has since worked with athletes in a variety of disciplines, including triathlon, cycling, and skiing.

Dr. Filipas is known for his unique coaching approach, which blends the art and science of training to help his athletes achieve their goals. He is particularly interested in the pyramidal and polarized training models and has conducted research on the effects of each on endurance performance. His study found that both models can be effective, but that the pyramidal model may be better suited for certain types of athletes. Dr. Filipas' coaching methodology is based on a thorough understanding of the individual athlete's needs, and he uses a variety of tools to help his athletes optimize their performance, including periodization, intensity measurement, and other techniques.

Link to the research: Effects of 16 weeks of pyramidal and polarized training intensity distributions in well-trained endurance runners
Know more about Dr. Filipas' works and coaching at lucafilipas.com

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Gmail: [email protected]
Twitter: @vikashsingh1010

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Weekly Nuggets of Knowledge!

In this episode of Run with Fitpage, we had the pleasure of hosting the world's leading genomicist - Dr. Michael Snyder. Vikas and Dr. Snyder talk about CGMs and other variables in one of the most insightful conversations of Run with Fitpage so far.

Michael Snyder is the Stanford Ascherman Professor and Chair of Genetics and the Director of the Center of Genomics and Personalized Medicine. He received his Ph.D. training at the California Institute of Technology and carried out postdoctoral training at Stanford University. Dr. Snyder has pioneered the use of “big data” and multi-omics to advance scientific discovery and transform healthcare. His laboratory has invented many technologies that are widely used in medicine and research, including methods for characterizing genomes and their products (e.g. RNA-Seq, NGS paired-end sequencing, ChIP-Chip and later Chip-Seq, protein arrays, machine learning for disease gene discovery).

Snyder Lab was the first to perform a large-scale functional genomics project in any organism and has developed many technologies in genomics and proteomics. He has also co-founded January AI and Iollo. Listen to this episode with a pen and paper to learn more about Continous Glucose Monitoring and much more!

Important resources from the episode:

• innovations.stanford.edu/wearables
• q.bio
• www.iollo.com
• www.january.ai

Read more about Dr. Snyder's Research here.

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Gmail: [email protected]
Twitter: @vikashsingh1010

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Weekly Nuggets of Knowledge!

In this episode of Run with Fitpage, we have Coach Nirupma Singh. Nirupma and Vikas discuss her running journey, how she got into fitness, and a lot more in this episode.

Nirupma comes from Patna, Bihar, and is currently a running coach based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. However, her journey was far from easy. She has had her share of struggles - starting right away from not being allowed to play with boys as a young child to getting married at an early age, dealing with depression, and a lot more. Her inspiring story of determination and grit serves as a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. She also defied social norms when she started to run - that not being for a year or two, but almost for a decade when she had to go through comments made by people as outdoor fitness activities involving women was not as well-received by the society back then. Today, she continues to inspire and motivate others to take up running and pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Find Nirupma on Instagram @coach_nirupma

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Gmail: [email protected]
Twitter: @vikashsingh1010

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Weekly Nuggets of Knowledge!