The Strength Running Podcast

If you're looking for a fall marathon that's the caliber of a big city race without the challenging logistics of the World Marathon Majors, be sure to consider the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.

On the podcast this week I have Twin Cities Marathon race director, Eli Asch. Eli came to Twin Cities with extensive experience as the Director of Race Operations for the California International Marathon, as well as the Logistics and Operations Manager for the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon. He earned a BA at Whitman College where he was captain of the cross-country team, and received his MBA in Sports Business from San Diego State University.

My conversation with Eli delves into all the important details of the Twin Cities Marathon. Whether you're racing it this year or considering it for 2024, you'll learn all the ins and outs of the race, including:

• What makes Twin Cities such a unique race
• Pre-race logistics and the best options for hotel locations
• Course specifics to plan your best race
• How to tackle the most challenging section of the course
• The extensive pace group selections for runners
• The best way to navigate race amenities beyond the finish line

If you're in the final stages of preparing for Twin Cities, then have an amazing race! If not, this discussion will give you excellent feedback on what to consider when choosing your next marathon.

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Learn more about the Twin Cities Marathon
• Follow the Twin Cities Marathon on Instagram and Facebook
• Listen to my previous episode with Eli on directing big races
• Want to PR your next marathon?
• Read more about planning your next marathon breakthrough

Our newest sponsor is Lagoon, maker of the most comfortable pillow I've ever used. And that's no hyperbole. I'm pleasantly surprised every night I lie down because this pillow is just perfect for me. Since I know that sleep is the #1 recovery tool at my disposal, I'm taking it a lot more seriously.

I took their sleep quiz to find the right pillow for my body size and sleeping position at. It only takes 2 minutes and you'll find the type of pillow that will work best for you. I'm using the Fox and absolutely loving it. A big reason why is because it's adjustable.

Since you can add or remove fill to get your alignment right, it's a great way to optimize the most important way you can become a better runner that isn't training: sleep. We all know how important sleep is. It's the best recovery tool that you have at your disposal - better than compression, ice, heat, massage, or anything else you can think of. Sleep is when the magic happens and your sleep quality matters.

Take your rest and recovery to the next level with Lagoon and get 15% off your purchase with code strengthrunning here.

A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You'll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.

DrinkLMNT's products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

My favorite flavor is watermelon salt, but citrus salt is also a banger. I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium.

There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack.

This week's guest on the podcast is a doctor of physical therapy and owner of the Lux Physical Therapy and Medicine practice in New York. Dr. Grayson Wickham is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and creator of the Movement Vault app. He has worked with athletes in a wide variety of sports at the elite level, from Olympians to tennis pros to NFL and MLB players.

Grayson's specialty is sports and orthopedic performance and injuries. He has dedicated his time and energy to helping his patients use mobility to become pain free in their athletic endeavors as well as in their daily lives.

Grayson and I discuss mobility work in depth and talk about the most effective practices for runners. We focus on:

• How Grayson developed an interest in mobility and injury resilience
• The differences between mobility and flexibility
• How we can add functional mobility to our training as runners
• The variety of ways that runners can gain mobility
• How cross training can help runners learn new movement patterns
• What it means to have active joint mobility
• Grayson's favorite dynamic stretches

If you are trying to understand how mobility work can benefit your training, be sure to check out this episode!

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Learn more about Grayson
• Check out the Movement Vault
• Connect with Grayson on LinkedIn
• Follow Grayson on Instagram
• Invest in Strength Running training program here

We're supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I'm cautiously changing my tune. I'm less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I'm optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I'm excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.

Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.

I've been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I'm giving my body what it needs. I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!

We're also supported by Impossible Sleep, a performance sleep drink to help high performers get the most out of their nightly rest. Impossible Sleep is a melatonin free sleep drink mix that provides deep recovery while gently lulling you to sleep. It only has two ingredients, with magnesium to promote muscle recovery and deep sleep, and L-theanine for a subtle calming effect that helps you wind down at the end of the day.

High achieving runners have to prioritize their sleep - it's like a performance enhancing drug that allows us to absorb our training, improve, and race faster. The Impossible Sleep drink helps you optimize your bedtime routine so you can get as much deep recovery as possible.

When you consider that studies have shown that sleep loss can lead to glucose imbalances, increased anxiety, and your risk of getting sick, it's a no-brainer to get as much high quality sleep as you can. Learn more about Impossible Sleep drink and be sure to use code jason20 to save 20% on your first subscription order, plus you'll get a free sleep kit as a welcome gift.

Jen Schumacher is currently the mental performance consultant for Northwestern University's football program. Previously she was the Assistant Director of the Performance Psychology program at West Point Military Academy. She is also a professional speaker and provides training for elite performers in many fields, whether ultra-endurance athletes or Fortune 100 executives.

Our discussion focuses on an introduction to sports psychology, how it applies to endurance sports, and how to create a regular practice that will allow you to reap the benefits. Some of the topics we touch on include:

• Jen's background & the goals of the Performance Psychology Program at West Point
• The best way for endurance runners to get started with performance psychology
• Common mistakes for athletes using mindset training
• The best approach to tackling the mental skills we seek as runners
• How to avoid the comparison trap and turn it into something positive
• How Jen applied performance psychology to her own ultra-endurance swimming

My conversation with Jen with help make sports psychology more accessible for everyone. The more regularly you can make it a part of your own training, the better the results will be!

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Enroll in our complimentary mindset course
• Listen to a podcast about mental toughness and skill building
• Learn more about specific mental toughness for runners strategies
• Enroll in Mindset Mastery

Our newest sponsor is Lagoon, maker of the most comfortable pillow I've ever used. And that's no hyperbole. I'm pleasantly surprised every night I lie down because this pillow is just perfect for me. Since I know that sleep is the #1 recovery tool at my disposal, I'm taking it a lot more seriously.

I took their sleep quiz to find the right pillow for my body size and sleeping position at. It only takes 2 minutes and you'll find the type of pillow that will work best for you. I'm using the Fox and absolutely loving it. A big reason why is because it's adjustable.

Since you can add or remove fill to get your alignment right, it's a great way to optimize the most important way you can become a better runner that isn't training: sleep. We all know how important sleep is. It's the best recovery tool that you have at your disposal - better than compression, ice, heat, massage, or anything else you can think of. Sleep is when the magic happens and your sleep quality matters.

Take your rest and recovery to the next level with Lagoon and get 15% off your purchase with code strengthrunning here.

A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You'll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.

DrinkLMNT's products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

My favorite flavor is watermelon salt, but citrus salt is also a banger. I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium.

There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack.

Meniscus injuries can have a significant impact on your ability to walk, run and train consistently. Although this injury is less common for runners, understanding management and treatment is essential for long term health and durability.

Dr. Kevin Stone graduated from Harvard and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. His clinical work focuses on keeping people active in the sports they love, and he has served a wide array of athletic groups including the US Ski Team, multiple ballet companies, and the US Olympic Training Center.

In addition to his work as an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Stone is an innovator in the field. Some of his inventions include a glucosamine beverage, a collagen meniscus implant, and the three-tunnel technique of meniscus transplantation, and he has been issued approximately 50 US patents for his work.

If you're looking for expertise on meniscus injuries, Dr. Stone is at the top of his field. Our discussion today will give you a better understanding of this type of injury, including:

• Understanding the meniscus and what it means to have a meniscus injury
• Are meniscus injuries a concern for runners?
• The most common causes of meniscus injuries
• How to prevent a meniscus injury (it's probably not what you think!)
• The importance of good mechanics in injury prevention
• Why you need to investigate your doctor's bias for treatment
• Meniscus injury treatment options and the recovery process

Hopefully you will never be faced with a meniscus injury, but if so this podcast will help you get back on track to running pain free.

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Learn more about Dr. Stone at The Stone Clinic
• Read more about ongoing studies at Stone Research
• Get Dr. Stone's book, Play Forever
• Listen to Dr. Stone's TED Talk on the future of joint replacement
• Get our complimentary injury prevention course!

We're also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It's recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews.

One scoop per day is what I've been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I'm getting sick and can't train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that's set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly!

Even if you're a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You'll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it's not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength.

I was just at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.

Some of us are lucky enough to find a mentor to guide our long-term love affair with running. They set the standard high in their own accomplishments and inspire us to do the same. Jim Butler, whom I'll forever refer to as "Coach", has been doing that for over 30 years as the head coach of men's cross country team at my alma mater, Connecticut College.

Our conversation includes:

• Memories from his competitive days at Rutgers and road racing in Connecticut
• What has kept him invested in the sport for so long
• The intangibles he seeks out in prospective athletes above and beyond fast finish times
• Training strategies and mindset to take your performance to the next level
• The impact of new technology on the sport

Coach has had such an impact on my running and my career - I know you'll enjoy our conversation!

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Want your own team? Join Team Strength Running
• Read more wisdom from Coach (and check out my 2005 cross-country picture!)
• Become a fan of the Connecticut College Men's Cross Country Team

We're supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I'm cautiously changing my tune. I'm less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I'm optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I'm excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.

Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.

I've been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I'm giving my body what it needs. I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!

Our newest sponsor is Lagoon, maker of the most comfortable pillow I've ever used. And that's no hyperbole. I'm pleasantly surprised every night I lie down because this pillow is just perfect for me. Since I know that sleep is the #1 recovery tool at my disposal, I'm taking it a lot more seriously.

I took their sleep quiz to find the right pillow for my body size and sleeping position at. It only takes 2 minutes and you'll find the type of pillow that will work best for you. I'm using the Fox and absolutely loving it. A big reason why is because it's adjustable.

Since you can add or remove fill to get your alignment right, it's a great way to optimize the most important way you can become a better runner that isn't training: sleep. We all know how important sleep is. It's the best recovery tool that you have at your disposal - better than compression, ice, heat, massage, or anything else you can think of. Sleep is when the magic happens and your sleep quality matters.

Take your rest and recovery to the next level with Lagoon and get 15% off your purchase with code strengthrunning here.

Elisabeth Scott, a multiple-certified running coach and host of the Running Explained Podcast, joins us to discuss all things WORKOUTS.

What is a workout? What is the purpose of a workout? What are the different types of workouts?

We discuss pacing vs. running via perceived effort, the philosophy behind workouts, and how to structure them.

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Elisabeth's podcast Running Explained
• Let me help you with a training plan
• Follow Elisabeth on Instagram

A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You'll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.

DrinkLMNT's products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

My favorite flavor is watermelon salt, but citrus salt is also a banger. I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium.

There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack.

We're also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It's recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews.

One scoop per day is what I've been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I'm getting sick and can't train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

On this episode I have the dynamic duo of Tina Muir and Zoë Rom. Tina was formerly a professional runner for Great Britain and now hosts the Running for Real Podcast. Zoë is an elite ultra runner and Editor in Chief of Trail Runner Magazine. While each has been a guest on the podcast in the past, this is my first time having a discussion with them both!

Zoë and Tina bring a unique perspective to running that has been missing from the books on training and racing that currently exist. Our discussion focuses on what it means to be a sustainable runner, and the various ways you can integrate your personal running journey with the broader community and environment.

Topics we explore include:

• Zoe and Tina's background and involvement in the running community
• How a shared love of composting helped lead to writing Becoming a Sustainable Runner
• Why doing more for "future us" vs. "present us" creates longevity in the sport
• How to put yourself in positions for a growth mindset
• The variety of ways you can find and create a running community

Zoe and Tina are insightful and engaging, and can help you find even greater meaning in your running. Enjoy our conversation!

We're supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I'm cautiously changing my tune. I'm less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I'm optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I'm excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.

Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.

I've been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I'm giving my body what it needs. I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!

Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that's set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly!

Even if you're a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You'll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it's not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength.

I was just at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.

Racing a fast 5k is a thrill. In this episode, Jason shares the foundational and specific workouts that help you race your best over 5,000m.

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Learn more about Team Strength Running
• Read more about training as a masters runner
• Structure your training to sharpen for a 5k
• Get a 5k training plan from our programs

A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You'll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.

DrinkLMNT's products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The watermelon flavor has become my favorite. I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium.

There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack.

We're also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It's recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews.

One scoop per day is what I've been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I'm getting sick and can't train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop – the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

This week's coaching call with Team Strength Running member Chris Robinson will help put all the pieces together for running a fast 5k. This episode originally aired in 2021 but remains useful and relevant for any runner hoping to take their racing to the next level.

Chris is a cross-country coach at Eureka College who has raced a variety of distances from 5ks to ultras. His sub-20 5k PR came several years ago in the midst of primarily aerobic half-marathon training. Since then his training has varied in consistency, as he has often put the needs of his collegiate runners ahead of his own.

To challenge himself, Chris planned to race a 5k every month of the year as motivation to get back to consistent training and earn a new PR at the distance. We discuss his running background and training history, then delve into what he can do moving forward to train for a PR without getting burned out or injured from monthly racing.

Our conversation covers:

• How Chris has struggled in the past with training structure
• Why increasing volume should be his initial priority
• How to implement speed maintenance work and strength training
• Strategies to keep his easy runs truly easy
• Why capacity building also improves your ability to sharpen your fitness
• Creating a plan to gradually make workouts more challenging and race-specific

If you're looking to improve in the 5k or just learn how to improve your training structure, you'll enjoy my conversation with Chris!

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Learn more about Team Strength Running
• Read more about training as a masters runner
• Structure your training to sharpen for a 5k

We're supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I'm cautiously changing my tune. I'm less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I'm optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I'm excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.

Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.

I've been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I'm giving my body what it needs. I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!

We're also brought to you by our very own Performance Training Journal, which is now available on Amazon. Since I started running in 1998, I've kept a hardcopy training journal. Holding a tangible log, writing in it daily, and reflecting on the ups and downs of running is a surefire way to improve.

This hardcopy training journal helps you focus on the training metrics that matter, prioritizes a long-term outlook so you don't take any shortcuts, and maintains your motivation with strategic self-praise. With a no-frills, functional design, the Performance Training Journal includes coaching advice on racing, injury prevention, strength training, and more. It will guide you through race scheduling, how to plan your race morning, the best workouts for endurance runners, and encourage you to track your personal bests over time.

You have the space to make this journal your own whether you're a new runner or a professional, a trail or road runner, or a mid-distance specialist or ultra marathoner.⁣ So don't just track your running, learn from it with the Performance Training Journal! Check it out today on Amazon.

When evaluating any new technology and whether it will help your running, product reviews are typically our first means of learning about the pros and cons of a product. By learning how to use these reviews to your advantage, you're more likely to make better decisions about which products work best for you.

This week's guest on the podcast has reviewed just about every type of gear imaginable, from clothing and shoes, to recovery tools, to watches and smart rings. Ashley Mateo is likely a familiar name, as she has written for just about every major media outlet including Runner's World, Bicycling, Women's Health, Health, Shape and Self.

In addition to her writing and prolific product testing, Ashley is a RRCA and UESCA certified running coach and an accomplished marathoner. She also publishes one of my favorite running newsletters, The Rundown, which is available on Substack.

With her extensive experience testing a variety of products, Ashley has unique insights into using product reviews to help you search for new gear. By learning how to think more critically about these reviews, you can evaluate gear before making an investment, and know how to get the most out of your purchase.

Ashley and I talk about her background in the sport and then dig into the product review process, including:

• How Ashley was introduced to running through triathlon
• Her favorite products to review
• Ashley's critical process for reviewing different types of products
• Why wearing a smart ring has changed how Ashley uses her running watch
• What consumers should pay attention to in reviews
• Ashley's dream product to review

Our discussion will show you how to get the most out of your next running purchase!

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Learn more about Ashley on her website
• Read Ashley's newsletter, The Rundown, on Substack
• Follow Ashley on Instagram and Twitter
• Find out how to choose the perfect running shoe on my recent podcast with Matt Klein, DPT
• Subscribe to my YouTube channel for upcoming product reviews from a coaching perspective

Thank you to our newest sponsor, BetterHelp. BetterHelp is the world's largest therapy service, and it's 100% online. I've been speaking more openly recently about my own mental health struggles last year as I went through a divorce. And while running was certainly an outlet, it could never replace actual therapy to help me process everything I was going through at the time.

If you're struggling with any kind of mental health issue right now, it's certainly impacting your running and I want you to be as healthy as possible - both physically and mentally. Improving your mindset is a powerful lever to pull to improve your relationship with running.

With BetterHelp, you can message your therapist at any time, schedule live sessions when it's convenient for you (or use text), and change your therapist at no extra charge.

Improve your mental skills - and make running more manageable - with BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month here at BetterHelp.

We're also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It's recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews.

One scoop per day is what I've been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I'm getting sick and can't train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.