THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

Alex Ostberg is back again, ready to unpack the powerful, and often overlooked, mental side of training. 

In this July roundup, Alex breaks down the four most impactful lessons from his newsletter The Rundown: covering everything from tapering tweaks to placebo power.

If you’ve ever second-guessed your workouts, tried to copy what the pros are doing, or sabotaged yourself before race day—this  episode is your antidote. 

First up, Alex covers why copying elite runners can backfire, and how to train for yourself, not someone else’s blueprint. Next, he discusses the placebo effect redefined, how it’s not a trick, but a training tool rooted in belief and biology. Then it’s onto the taper trap: how overthinking and last-minute adjustments ruin weeks of hard work (and how to stop). Lastly, he examines the hidden role of mindset across every training phase, and how to build routines that boost performance from the inside out. 

Alex is ready to show how success isn’t about replication, it’s about personalization; that belief isn’t fake; it’s a real driver of results; and how trusting the plan matters just as much as writing a good one.

Alex is a former D1 All-American, coach, and creator of The Rundown, one of the most practical and honest newsletters in running. His approach blends elite-level insight with grounded, actionable strategies every runner can use.

Tap into the Alex Ostberg Rundown Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-The Science of a Taper

-How To Stop Sabotaging Your Taper

-The Placebo Effect Isn’t A Trick – It’s A Tool

-Don’t Copy The Winner

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

If you follow high school distance running, you already know the buzz is real.

Caden Leonard has emerged as one of the most dominant prep runners in the country, and his résumé is growing almost as fast as his closing kick.

Let’s start with the highlights: he’s a two-time Texas 6A Cross Country State Champion; he was the 2025 Texas 6A State Track “Double Gold” winner in the 1600m and 3200m; he came in 2nd place at the Brooks PR Invitational, clocking an impressive 8:50.22 for two miles; he came in 3rd place at Nike Cross Nationals, earning All-American honors; and was back-to-back Gatorade Texas Cross Country Player of the Year.

And when it comes to personal records? Caden’s stats speak for themselves: he’s run 4:04 in the mile; 8:50 in the two-mile; 14:33 in the 5,000m (Cross Country); and 14:19 in the 5,000m on the track.

What makes Caden’s story even more compelling is how he runs. Not just fast, but smart. He’s been described as “a surgeon on the course,” known for his surgical precision in pacing, tactics, and race-day execution. Within that racing tactician, there’s a young man driven by purpose, humility, and a clear mission: to win—and grow—in every sense.

Caden is getting ready to transition to the University of North Carolina, so this is a prime time to check in with him and see where his head is at.

In today's conversation, 

Tap into the Caden Leonard Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

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-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

At 15, Sam Ruthe is breaking records and shattering expectations.

With a jaw-dropping 3:58.35 mile, he became the youngest human ever to break four minutes, vaulting himself into the global spotlight.

But if you know his story, none of this feels like a fluke.

Running is in Sam’s blood.

His grandfather was a Commonwealth Games steeplechaser.

His parents? Both competitive runners.

You can’t fake that kind of DNA.

The stuff he has accomplished outside of just the mile already are dumbfounding:

In November of 2024 he broke the New Zealand U17/U18 3000m record (with a time of 8:09.68).

On February 1 of this year he won the senior national 3000m title in 7:56.18, becoming the youngest ever to do so.

On February 9 of this year he ran 3:41.25 in the 1500m, which was faster than Jakob Ingebrigtsen did at the same age.

On March 9 of this year he went toe-to-toe with Sam Tanner at the NZ Senior Champs, tying in 3:44.31 in the 1500m.

And then on March 19 he blew past the four-minute mile barrier with a 3:58.35.

And those are just the headlines.

In 2025 alone, he clocked 1:50.57 in the 800m, 3:39.17 in the 1500m and 7:56.18 in the 3,000m.

These aren’t “great for his age.”

They’re just great.

Full stop.

Sam is humble, calculated, and deeply thoughtful—the kind of athlete who makes you rethink what’s possible at any age.

If you coach, compete, or love seeing the future before it’s fully arrived — don’t miss this one.

In today's conversation, Sam takes me through his training, mindset, and ambitions.

We go into him being the youngest person to ever break 4 minutes in the mile, training with professional runners, and so much more.

Remember the name.

Tap into the Sam Ruthe Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review!

I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen.

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W N O T E S

• The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

• BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

• Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run

• THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

• My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

• Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Marco Langon went from prepping meals in a back kitchen to torching NCAA record books as one of the fastest middle-distance runners in collegiate history.

We’re talking 3:33.38 in the 1500m (2nd-fastest in NCAA history); 3:54.60 in the mile; 7:36.87 in the 3,000m; and 13:14.11 in the 5,000m. 

And he is still a junior at Villanova.

But the stats are just the start. Marco’s a 2025 NCAA 5000m bronze medalist (13:21.17), a multiple-time All-American(indoor, outdoor, and cross country), and the anchor of Villanova’s record-breaking 4×Mile relay at the Penn Relays (15:51.91). He’s also a 3-time Big East 5000m champ, each with record times, and he brought home a World XC U20 bronze with Team USA in 2023.

Currently ranked Top 3 in Villanova history across four distances (1500, mile, 3,000m, and 5,000m), he’s running times that prove he may be a serious player for many years to come. 

Oh, and he just made history off the track too: Marco became the first NCAA track athlete to sign with Diadora, using his NIL deal to help set himself up for the future.

And now, the USATF Outdoor Championships (July 31–Aug 3, Hayward Field) could be his next launching point, and maybe even to Worlds in Tokyo.

From the kitchen to the track, Marco’s story is pure fire. 

In today's conversation, Marco walks me through his remarkable journey and coming out of great adversity growing up as a kid, going to Villanova on a full scholarship, and what that meant to him, what motivates him, why everyone has doubts, why he's so honest, and so much more.

This is a must-listen to episode. 

Tap into the Marco Langon Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

From shattering age-group records before most kids knew how to pace a 400, to stepping onto the Olympic stage with grace, grit, and God-given speed, Brandon Miller’s journey is nothing short of electric.

At just 13 years old, he clocked a jaw-dropping 1:56 in the 800m. By 14, it was 1:51. A middle school phenom who didn’tjust peak early, he kept accelerating toward greatness.

High school? Dominant. Eight straight AAU Junior Olympic titles, Gatorade National Track Athlete of the Year, and mile splits that left jaws on the track.

Then came Texas A&M, where he stamped his name on the NCAA with an indoor 800m title, a World U20 best in the 600 (with a time of 1:15.49), and a bronze at Nationals. The breakthrough? Third place in the U.S. Championships in 2022. And by 2024, he was in Paris, not just to watch, but to compete with the best mid-distance runners in the world, reaching the semifinals in the 800m. 

Fast forward to this season, he’s now running professionally with the Brooks Beasts Track Club, under coach Danny Mackey, putting up wild numbers like a 1:43.52 in the 800, and a fresh 3:35.27 in the 1500. 

From a teenage prodigy to a global contender, Brandon’s story is about more than speed. So get ready to go beyond the stopwatch, as we chat with the mind that has shaped one of America’s most electrifying middle-distance talents.

In today's conversation, Brandon takes me through his mindset, lessons from training with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Josh Kerr, making the Olympics, growing up in a competitive household, his ambitions to medal at World's this year, and advice for the next generation.

This one is an all-timer. Don't miss one of my favorite conversations from this year. 

Tap into the Brandon Miller Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

If you follow ultrarunning, you’ve probably heard the name Caleb Olson recently. 

In 2025, he broke through in a big way, winning the Western States 100 in 14:11:25, the second-fastest time ever on that iconic course.

But his rise wasn’t sudden. 

Raised in the Seattle area, Caleb was an All-ASUN runner at Liberty University, with PRs of 3:51 in the 1500m and 29:11 in the 10,000m. He entered the ultra world in 2018 and has built his career on quiet consistency and smartcoaching.

Now running for the Nike ACG team, working full-time as a software developer, and adjusting to life as a new dad, Caleb is hitting his stride. In the last two years, he’s racked up major results. 

In 2023 he got his Golden Ticket at the Grindstone Ultramarathon; in 2024 he came in 5th at Western States in his debut, while also securing 2nd at the Madeira Island Ultra-Trail 85K; and then in 2025 he set a course record during his win at Transgrancanaria in a time of 12:17:25.

This led to his historic victory at Western States this past July.

Trained by Jack Kuenzle and shaped by a background in mountaineering and triathlon, Caleb has become one of the most versatile and mentally tough athletes on the trail scene today.

In today's conversation, Caleb takes me through his win at Western States, all that went into it, how he handles doubts and builds confidence, his crazy NIKE shirt he wore that broke the internet, being a new dad, what is next for him, and so much more.

Tap into the Caleb Olson Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Pierce Showe is redefining what consistency, conviction, and calling look like in the world of ultra-endurance running.

He just broke the Guinness World Record for most consecutive half marathons on a treadmill—running 13.1 miles every single day for 125 days straight—and he’s here to talk about what it took, and why it mattered.

As a running coach and motivational content creator, Pierce is on a mission that’s as physical as it is spiritual.

Driven by faith, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose, he’s showing the world that you don’t need a podium to be powerful, you just need a reason that moves you.

But let’s be clear: Pierce has landed on those podiums, too.

His ultra-running resume speaks volumes: 1st place at the Miami 100 (100-mile race) in 21:23:00 (2024); 1st place at the Coyote Trail Run (50-mile trail race) in 9:54:59 (2023); 3rd place at the Blazin' Summer Sufferfest (54 km) in 6:12:06 (2024).

His personal records are strong: 21:23:00 for 100 miles; 10:41:48 for 100k; and 9:54:59 for 50 miles.

From battling dark mental stretches mid-race to climbing onto a treadmill before dawn, Pierce is here to share what keeps him grounded, what fuels his discipline, and how he's turning mileage into meaning.

From the trail to the screen, Pierce isn’t just building endurance, he’s looking to build impact.

And through every step, he proves that transformation doesn’t start with the legs.

It starts with belief.

In today's conversation, Pierce takes me through this wild endeavor and adventure, the crazy stories that come with breaking a world record, what comes next for him, why he wears a "Jesus is King" shirt, the power of consistency, and lessons he's learned along the way.

Tap into the Pierce Showe Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review!

I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen.

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Sondre Guttormsen not only cleared six meters, but he launched past expectations, limits, and borders, and is considered one of the best to ever do it in the world of pole vault.

He's a European champion, a two-time Olympian, a three-time NCAA champion, and one of the elite few in pole vault's six-meter club.

In 2023, he made history as the first-ever Norwegian to win the European Indoor Championships, clearing 5.80 m with zero misses. Two years later, he backed it up with a bronze medal at the 2025 European Indoors, going even higher at 5.90 m.

In the NCAA, he collected three titles (indoor champion in 2022 and 2023, and outdoor champ in 2022). In March 2023, he tied the collegiate indoor record at 6.00 m, joining the sport's most exclusive club.

He's competed on the biggest stage as well: a two-time Olympian, reaching the final in Paris 2024 and finishing 8th.

But that's just the surface.

He's been through his share of adversity on the way to the top. Fresh off that European gold, he flew 11,000 miles across time zones on no rest, and still tied the NCAA indoor record. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he suffered a quad injury during qualification, missing out on the final. Four years later, he came back stronger to make the final in Paris.

This is a front-row seat to one of the most relentless minds in track and field.

In today's conversation, Sondre walks me through his legendary career, the ups, downs, and everything in-between. Look, I know nothing about Pole Vaulting, so this was a masterclass in the sport from one of the best himself. Expect to learn all of the ins and outs of the sport and ways Sondre is trying to become one of the greatest to ever do it. 

Tap into the Sondre Guttormsen Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

PSA: the audio on this is weird. We have no clue why it's like this, but I would rather release then it never see the light of day.

He went from Rapid City to Hayward Field. 

From high school phenom to NCAA standout. 

And now, toeing the line with the best in the world, Simeon Birnbaum is bridging the levels in a way few athletes do.

In his return to the show, we catch up with Simeon just 24 hours after his electric 3:56.64 mile at the Prefontaine Classic—his first real taste of pro racing on one of the sport's biggest stages.

This isn't a rehash of what you already know. We're looking ahead: what it felt like lining up against Diamond League vets, how that race taught him more than any workout ever could, and why he's hungrier than ever to chase greatness at the highest level.

The journey that brought him here is important, though: like the 3:57.53 mile he ran as a high school senior (and the 3:59.51 he clocked as a junior), the 1:47.96 800m speed he still carries, and the 3:37.02 1500m PR he dropped this spring at Oregon Twilight. 

Add in his 13:31.87 5000m from Big Tens (a meet record), and you're looking at one of the most versatile young talents in U.S. distance running. He came in 7th in the 1500m at NCAA outdoors in June of 2025. 

From his days winning 13 South Dakota state titles and earning 2023 HS Boys Athlete of the Year, to bouncing back from early setbacks in his freshman year and finishing 3rd at NCAAs in the 1500m, Simeon's story is just getting started.

Whether you're a high schooler dreaming big or a fan of the sport tracking the next American great, this is the kind of conversation you'll want in your earpods for your next long run.

In today's conversation, Simeon gives me a deep dive look into his Sophomore year. We dicuss the tactics, training, and races that made it successful. We walk through his first-ever NCAA Outdoor Championships, running the Pre-Classic, and his ambitions for domination in the future.

Simeon Birnbaum is on the podcast. Don't miss it. 

Tap into the Simeon Birnbaum Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

This isn’t just a running interview. It’s a front-row seat to what greatness sounds like.

Josh Kerr is the reigning 1500m World Champion, an Olympic silver (Paris 2024) and bronze medalist (Tokyo 2020), and the fastest Brit of all time, stopping the clock at a jaw-dropping 3:27.79 in the 1500m at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

And his résumé doesn’t stop there. Josh’s current personal bests include: 3:27.79 in the 1500m outdoor (British record); 3:45.34 in the outdoor mile; 7:30.14 in the indoor 3,000m (Scottish indoor record) and 8:00.67 in the 2-Mile indoor short track (a World Best). 

From breaking NCAA records at the University of New Mexico to stunning the world in Budapest and Paris, Josh has built his career on intent, aggression, and an unshakable belief in his process.

He’s not about fluff. He’s about focus. And whether it’s skipping warmups or setting world bests, he’s never afraid to do it his way.

Josh has much to say about the mindset behind the medals, the rivalries that keep him sharp, and the hunger that still drives him, even while he’s already at the top.

He isn’t here to play it safe. He’s here to take over.

In today's conversation, Josh takes me deep into his mindset, chase for greatness, parts of his journey that go untold, his desire to be the best, rivalries, what you can do to become a better runner today, and so much more.

Tap into the Josh Kerr Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz