In this episode of Travel in 26.2 series of What Runs a Run podcast Lena Anderson shares her inspiring journey of founding Go Running Tours, transforming city exploration through guided running experiences. Discover how her background in corporate strategy, innovative business models, and passion for running have shaped a global enterprise that combines travel, fitness, and local culture.

Key Topics

• Journey from corporate career to entrepreneurship
• Business model evolution and scaling
• Balancing tourism, safety, and local insights
• Impact of COVID-19 on running tourism
• Future trends in running and travel

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Go Running Tours

01:07 Transition from Corporate to Running Tours

03:47 The Concept of Running Tours

06:08 Starting Go Running Tours in Copenhagen

12:04 Building the Business Model

21:06 Evolution of the Running Industry

22:57 Balancing Running and Tourism

24:23 Setting Expectations for Running Tours

26:15 The Value of Local Guides

28:40 Safety and Convenience in Running Tours

30:29 Supporting Major Running Events

32:53 Sustainability in Running and Travel

37:33 Corporate Wellness and Running Tours

40:52 Rapid Fire Insights on Running

42:55 The Future of Running and Travel

Resources:

• Go Running Tours

#RunningTours, #Travel, #BusinessModel, #CityExploration, #RunningCulture, #Sustainability, #GuideExperience, #TravelIndustry, Entrepreneurship, Global Expansion

In this episode we are exploring how the New York Road Runners are leading sustainability efforts in large-scale events, focusing on decarbonization, offsetting, insetting, and innovative eco-friendly practices. We sit down with Ali Criscolo, Head of Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility at New York Road Runners (NYRR) and dig into insights on strategies, challenges, and impactful initiatives shaping the future of sustainable sports events.

Key topics

• Sustainability initiatives at New York Road Runners
• Insetting vs offsetting explained
• Strategies for reducing environmental footprint of marathons
• Community engagement in sustainability efforts
• Innovations in eco-friendly race materials

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Sports

01:50 The Journey to Net Zero by 2040

04:43 Commitment to Sustainability at New York Road Runners

08:49 Understanding Offsetting vs. Insetting

11:50 Innovative Waste Management Solutions

17:51 The Role of Reusable Materials

21:43 Engaging Runners in Sustainability

25:04 The Impact of Medals and Merchandise

28:50 Strategies for Smaller Races

31:11 Team for Climate: A New Initiative

36:51 Challenges in Achieving Net Zero

Resources :

New York Road Runners Sustainability Initiatives - https://www.nyrr.org/sustainability

Insetting and Offsetting Explained - Climate Neutral Now - https://unfccc.int/climate-action/climate-neutral-now

Cup Zero - Reusable Cup Program - https://cupzero.com/

Climate Stripes by University of Reading - https://climatestripes.org/

Royal Waste - Composting Partner - https://royalwaste.com/

Mackinroe Farms Compost Facility - https://mackinroefarms.com/

In this episode of What Runs a Run podcast, Dr. Amy Bender shares the critical role of sleep in athletic performance, covering sleep cycles, tracking technologies, sleep disorders, and practical tips for optimizing sleep for athletes and travelers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the 22 Hour Athlete

03:48 Understanding the Sleep Cycle

07:36 Measuring Sleep: Devices and Accuracy

18:25 Identifying Sleep Issues: The Questionnaire

23:40 Defining Enough Sleep for Different Ages

27:08 Sleep Needs for Athletes vs. General Population

31:21 The Challenges of Night Owls

34:48 Managing Jet Lag for Athletes

40:34 Understanding Sleep Banking

46:18 Techniques for Adjusting Circadian Rhythms

52:33 Cognitive Techniques for Better Sleep

References:

• Athlete sleep screening questionnaire - link

In this episode, Mike Laflin, Founder & CEO of Global Sustainable Sport (GSS) shares insights on measuring sustainability in sports, introducing his seven pillars framework and discussing impact data versus commercial data. We explore how sports organizations can leverage data for greater societal impact and sustainability.

Key topics:

• Seven pillars of sustainable sport
• Impact data versus commercial data
• Role of partnerships in sports sustainability
• Measuring social and environmental impact
• Sports industry’s contribution to society

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Sports

01:18 Mike Laflin's Journey in Sports and Sustainability

08:08 Understanding Global Sustainable Sport (GSS)

14:59 Impact Data vs. Commercial Data in Sports

19:36 The Health Product vs. Entertainment Product Debate

29:01 Navigating the Grey Data Zone in Sports

32:12 The Social Impact of Marathons

39:34 Purposeful Partnerships in Sports

46:29 Participation as a Health Product

53:54 Engaging Diverse Communities

56:41 Advocating for Clean Air in Sports

01:01:26 Rethinking Climate Impact on Events

01:04:43 Governance and Transparency in Sustainability

01:08:47 Harnessing Individual Voices for Sustainability

01:12:25 Long-term Prosperity Beyond One-Day Events

01:16:14 Greenwashing and Authenticity in Sustainability

01:19:42 The Future of Net Zero in Major Marathons

01:22:32 Sustainability Fees: Responsibility of Participants or Brands?

01:25:09 Setting the Gold Standard in Sustainability

• Global Sustainability Support (GSS)
• UN Sport for Climate Action
• AirAware

In this episode, Dr. Krista Austin shares insights on preparing for high performance in endurance sports, focusing on mental readiness, energy fueling, and adaptability. Learn how elite athletes train their bodies and minds to handle unpredictable conditions and push past limits. Krista Gail Austin shares insights on optimizing marathon performance through individualized training, mental resilience, sleep strategies, and the role of technology. Learn practical tips to adapt training plans, manage sleep, and leverage mental drills for better race outcomes.

Key topics

• Readiness as a foundation for performance
• Building the engine: sustainable fueling strategies
• The command center: mental management during races
• Individualizing training for optimal results Individualized training plans
• Sleep banking and circadian rhythm
• Mental resilience and hitting the wall
• Role of technology and data in training
• Lessons from elite athletes and military training

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to High Performance Coaching

11:15 Rebuilding Elite Athletes: The Case of Meb Kofleski

19:32 Fitness vs. Readiness: Key Differences

29:34 Fueling for the Long Haul: Efficiency Over Intensity

35:35 Training the Gut: Fueling Strategies for Race Day

43:05 Hitting the Wall: Physical and Mental Factors

48:09 Brain Fuel: Enhancing Focus and Performance

55:11 Learning from Experience: Adapting to Race Day Conditions

01:00:46 Cognitive Drills and Sleep Banking for Performance

01:06:04 The Debate on Sleep Patterns: Individual Preferences

01:14:57 Individualizing Training Plans for Runners

01:24:28 Navigating Technology Overload in Training

01:32:45 Rapid Fire Insights on Nutrition and Training

Reference (s):
https://kristaaustin.com/

In this episode of What Runs a Run, we go behind the scenes with Mike Nishi, COO of Chicago Event Management, to explore the future of marathon event planning, safety, inclusivity, and industry collaboration. Discover how long-term vision, operational excellence, and open-source sharing are shaping the industry.

• The "Peak Bib" Reality: We have reached a point where races are permanently sold out. The "product" is no longer the bib; it’s the community impact and the storytelling that happens 365 days a year.
• Baked-in vs. Bolted-on: Sustainability and DEI should never be "add-ons" to an event; they must be baked into the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) from day one.
• The Rising Tide: Elevating small, local races actually strengthens the World Majors. When the entire industry improves its safety and operational standards, everyone wins.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Marathon as a Temporary City

01:49 The 2077 Mindset: Planning for the Future

04:36 Balancing Legacy and Innovation in Event Management

07:03 Visualizing Urban Infrastructure for Events

09:40 The Evolution of the Chicago Marathon

13:23 Safety and Data Management in Event Operations

17:06 Decision-Making on Race Day: The Psychology of Cancelation

19:39 Tabletop Exercises: Preparing for the Unexpected

27:26 Open Sourcing Race Management: Sharing Knowledge for Growth

31:07 Building a Compounding Program for Success

32:58 Navigating Sold-Out Races and New Opportunities

36:12 Logistics and Scalability in Race Management

40:49 Inclusivity in Race Operations

46:11 Personal Operating Systems for Event Management

50:47 Reflections on the Future of the Running Industry

• Chicago Event Management: cemevent.com
• Race Management Program (RMP): https://www.racemanagementprogram.com/
• NCS4 (National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security): ncs4.usm.edu
• Bank of America Chicago Marathon: chicagomarathon.com

Your shoes might outlive your great-great-great-grandchildren. 👟⏳

Did you know it takes up to 1,000 years for a single pair of running shoes to decompose? Most of us swap our trainers every 400 miles, but we rarely talk about where those "dead" shoes actually go.

In our latest episode of What Runs a Run, we sit down with Tony Piedade, the visionary behind @JogOnAgain. We’re diving deep into:

• 🧪 The "Material Cocktail": Why glues and foams make recycling a nightmare.
• 🌍 The 40-Tonne Milestone: How Tony built a global logistics engine to save shoes from landfills.
• 🤝 Sports Equity: Why sustainability is the key to making running more accessible.

Stop treating your gear as disposable. Learn how to give your miles a second life.

Key Takeaways

• Jogging Buddy was created to connect runners and promote activity.
• Jog On was born from the realization of the environmental impact of discarded shoes.
• Over 300 million pairs of shoes end up in landfills each year.
• Shoes can still be useful after their running life is over.
• Changing consumer habits is crucial for sustainability.
• Recycling running shoes is complex due to their materials.
• Jog On collects shoes through various community partners.
• End-of-life shoes are currently incinerated for energy.
• Brands need to take responsibility for their products' lifecycle.
• Consumer demand will drive brands towards more sustainable practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Running

02:29 The Journey of Jogging Buddy

06:17 The Birth of Jog On

10:43 Challenges in Recycling Running Shoes

14:07 The Life Cycle of Donated Shoes

18:48 End-of-Life Solutions for Shoes

21:18 Brand Responsibility in Shoe Lifecycle

25:50 Future of Sustainable Footwear

29:33 What's Next for Jog On?

32:25 Conclusion and Call to Action

References:

• Jog On - https://www.jogonagain.com/about
• Jogging Buddy - https://joggingbuddy.com/

Sustainable Practices at the Chicago Marathon: A Deep Dive into Environmental Impact & Innovation

In this episode of #Sustainability in 26.2 series of What Runs a Run podcast, we explore how the Chicago Marathon is innovating sustainable solutions to reduce its environmental footprint, from waste diversion to carbon offset programs. Cat Morris, the Sustainability Manager at Chicago Marathon Events (CME), shares insights into the race's initiatives, challenges, and success stories, offering practical tips for runners and event organizers alike.

Key Takeaways:

• How the Chicago Marathon implements large-scale composting and waste diversion, achieving an 83% rate
• Strategies for reducing the carbon footprint, including participant travel emissions and renewable energy use
• The role and impact of volunteer programs like the Green Team volunteers in sustainability efforts
• Innovative partnerships with TerraCycle for recycling gel wrappers, heat sheets, and packaging waste
• Community engagement through soil donation, food recovery, and neighborhood neighborhood impact
• Practical sustainability tips for runners: reusables, clothing choices, and course hydration
• Future goals including zero waste certification, organizational sustainability certification, and expanding offset programs

  Time Stamps:
  00:00 - Introduction to sustainability in the Chicago Marathon
  00:28 - Kat Morris’s journey to leading the marathon’s sustainability efforts
  01:12 - Key initiatives since 2015, including compostable cups
  02:36 - Achieving large-scale waste diversion and composting strategies
  03:33 - Partnering with Gatorade and branding reusable cups
  04:34 - Collecting banana peels and other compostables, donating soil to community gardens
  05:14 - Soil to soil program and the broader impact on neighborhoods
  07:01 - Waste diversion metrics and programs for gel and snack wrappers
  08:10 - Recycling heat sheets and other course materials with Trex
  09:13 - Challenges and evolution in recycling and composting partnerships
  11:14 - Volunteer involvement, Green Team programs, and community engagement
  13:36 - Partnership with College of Chicago and water refill stations
  15:11 - balancing international participation and carbon emissions
  16:28 - Initiatives for carbon offsetting, including reforestation and renewable energy
  18:33 - Electric vehicles in the marathon’s transportation fleet
  19:22 - Strategies supporting a 50% emissions reduction goal by 2030
  21:52 - Potential for a carbon levy or offsets for overseas travelers
  23:41 - Recycling sneakers, medals, and sustainable merchandise options
  25:08 - Community impact: neighborhood management, food recovery, and local economic benefits
  29:40 - Runner tips for sustainability: reusable water bottles, clothing donation, and eco-friendly gear
  33:15 - Launch of the new event, "Plugging," for community clean-ups
  35:39 - Growing participation in environmental volunteer initiatives
  37:19 - Surprising items found in waste bins and local neighborhood runs
  38:33 - Favorite neighborhoods for running and tips for eco-conscious training
  39:39 - Quickfire fun: best post-race snacks, scents, and memorable marathon finds
  40:27 - Reflecting on a 90% waste diversion goal and imagining a zero-waste world
  43:34 - What’s next for Chicago's sustainability efforts after achieving Evergreen status

Reference (s):

• Chicago Marathon Sustainability Initiatives - Link

Is "Sustainable Running" an Oxymoron? 🌍👟

Damian Hall (author of We Can’t Run Away From This) breaks it down in the this episode of Sustainability in 26.2 series. If you think sustainability is just about recycled medals, this episode will challenge you.

Here are 3 "Inconvenient Truths" Damian shared for runners and race organizers:

1️⃣ The 90% Rule: Participant travel (flights/driving) accounts for the vast majority of a race's footprint. We need to talk about "Racing Local" more than we talk about plastic cups.

2️⃣ The Power of "No": Damian recently walked away from major brand deals to stay true to the Game Changer Sponsorship Pledge. Integrity has a price, but silence costs more.

3️⃣ Longevity is Ecological: His new book Run Forever argues that staying fit into your 50s isn't just about PRs—it’s about becoming a long-term steward of the trails.

Whether you're a marathoner or a race director, Damian’s "4 Pillars" framework is a masterclass in systemic change.

Time stamps:

00:00 - Ultra running as an ecological statement: Damian Hall’s journey
02:30 - The complexities and wild terrain of the Barclay Marathons
03:52 - Barefoot river crossings and their environmental significance
06:19 - Damian’s reflections on race logistics, course secrecy, and planning
07:58 - The challenge of recceing off-trail races and how athletes prepare
10:34 - Transitioning from a non-running background to ultramarathon excellence
12:13 - How early races sparked a passion for ultra-distance running
13:34 - Fast escalation: from half marathon to 268-mile race
14:40 - Recognizing environmental issues in the running community
16:19 - Insights from Damian’s book "Run Forever" on aging and mindset
18:07 - Overcoming overconsumption: race waste and kit lifecycle
19:02 - The impact of sports washing and industry influence on environmental initiatives
20:28 - Industry sponsorship, greenwashing, and promoting responsibility
22:33 - The Green Runners’ four pillars for sustainable running: travel, kit, fuel, and advocacy
25:43 - Challenging high-footprint races like QAnon and Seven Continent Marathon
27:01 - Shoes and gear longevity: the science of durability and reducing waste
30:03 - The importance of systemic change over individual efforts
31:54 - Damian’s experience with brands and navigating sustainability commitments
34:02 - The future of responsible sponsorship in ultra and mainstream sports
36:25 - How durable shoes and mindful consumption can transform the sport
38:35 - Long-distance shoes, their lifespan, and the importance of design for sustainability
41:06 - Damian’s upcoming book "Run Forever" and longevity in running
43:02 - The role of mindset, perception, and attitude towards aging and performance
44:40 - Practical tips for maintaining health, strength, and running ability over decades
46:12 - Rapid fire insights: Should carbon-plated shoes be banned?
47:14 - The progress and pitfalls of the London Marathon’s sustainability efforts
48:40 - Constraints on racing travel: is a one flight every five years rule feasible?
50:34 - Industry-wide responsibility versus athlete individual choices
51:46 - The significance of language: understanding "Kerfufflefuck" and metaphorical expressions
52:11 - Closing thoughts: Damian’s call for responsibility, systemic change, and resilient gear choices

🌍 Did you know that a staggering 90% of footwear ends up in landfills? Join us on this episode of What Runs a Run as we dive into the world of sustainable sneakers and how we can change the story of our old shoes with Founder & CEO of Sneaker Impact, Moe Hachem.

Explore how Sneaker Impact is transforming sneaker disposal and recycling into a social and environmental movement. This episode delves into innovative technologies, industry challenges, and actionable steps for runners and brands to reduce footwear waste.

Key Takeaways from the episode:

• The environmental impact of the global sneaker industry and waste statistics
• Sneaker Impact’s process: collection, AI sorting, reuse, and recycling
• How shoes are repurposed for developing nations and micro-business opportunities
• Advanced technology: infrared separation, material purity, and product transformation
• Challenges in complex material separation and maintaining high purity levels
• The future of circular footwear design and industry movement
• Simple ways for consumers to participate in shoe recycling programs
• Sneaker Impact’s vision for a future where shoes are designed for end-of-life

• Sneaker Impact Official Website
• University of Miami Collaboration
• Federation of the Footwear Industry (FDRA)