Nick Willis exemplifies longevity not only in the competitive world of elite running, but even more so in an event that typically favors young, powerful runners. He is the 2008 Olympic silver medalist and the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist in the 1500m. Nick’s PR of 3:29 established him as one of the fastest 1500m runners in history. Nick also holds a unique record of being the most consistent miler in history. For the past 19 consecutive years, he has run a sub-4 minute mile. On January 1st at midnight, he’ll be attempting his 20th year of sub-4 miles at the Armory in New York City.  In the podcast, we discuss many of the factors that have contributed to Nick’s success, including:  The importance of who you surround yourself with  Putting in the focused work when it counts How he focuses on injury prevention Using less conventional cross-training as an outlet Learning to respect your body and know what it can and cannot do, especially as you get older A willingness to be patient and show up when it matters Using strength as a primary resource when it comes to healing  Links & Resources from the Show:  Follow Nick on Twitter and Instagram Watch Nick prepare for his 20th sub-4 miler Check out Nick on Facebook Get stronger and avoid injury Join a team to support your own running   Thank You InsideTracker! Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor InsideTracker. Today, more than ever, it's essential that we’re making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it. InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals. InsideTracker’s patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you’re running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance. I've had my own blood drawn with InsideTracker several times and have been amazed at the valuable information that they provide. Not only are the results very detailed, but they also share guidance for how to improve any markers that are out of range. If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs with a limited time 25% discount.

226. 2 x Olympian Nick Willis on What it Takes to Run a Sub-4 Mile for 19 Years Straight

Running and coaching tips for beginner and advanced runners with Coach Jason Fitzgerald. Featuring guests like Nick Symmonds and Shalane Flanagan, listeners will learn how to race faster, stay healthy, prevent running injuries, and get stronger in this informative and fun podcast.

Sports

Fitness

Health & Fitness

Running

Get a sneak peak into what we do every month in our Team Strength Running coaching program. During these live calls, I'm on live video, taking any and all questions from the team's members. It's an opportunity for runners in the program to ask me anything about the many factors of strong, healthy running. Members get guidance on sticky running questions, problem solve training issues, and get the action steps they need to keep moving forward. If you’d like to attend our next live coach’s chat, you're invited to join the team. We have members all over the world that use our library of more than 30 different training plans, our exclusive gear discounts, support from other members, and of course, direct coaching guidance from me. This episode is a recording of a Spring 2024 Team Strength Running Coach’s Chat where we discuss:  The carnivore diet and its potential impact on runners Should you race by pace, RPE, or heart rate? Pacing for half marathon based on 10k performance Proper hip and knee rotation during running How to modify a training plan if your race is midweek Running drills for improving form and performance And more!  Links & Resources from the Show:  Join Team Strength Running!  Why group coaching helps runners How to Harness the Power of the Running Community  Thank you 2Before! We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles. So, if you want to try to boost your performance and immune system, use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com. Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running! Thank you AG1! 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.

Q&A with Coach: Listen to a Live Team Strength Running Coaching Call

When runners get hurt, it’s often a tissue health problem, like a tendon injury. Jay Dicharry is a physical therapist, author, entrepreneur, and faculty member at Oregon State University who knows a lot about tissue health for runners. He’s written some of my favorite books on running performance and injury prevention, including “Anatomy for Runners” and “Running Rewired.” Jay also hosts workshops for physical therapists. In this episode, Jay and I talk about:  New research on tissue remodeling and load tolerance skills to develop durable runners Improving strength, bone density, and tendon health through specific exercises and training methods Debunking common beliefs around running and bone health Proper plyometric training for bone and tissue health The link between nutrition, bone health, and stress fractures Tendon health and repair through slow loading (including Achilles injuries) How to prevent and address tendon injuries in runners through sound strength training Why runner’s feet need special attention Using the MOBO Board as a diagnostic tool for fatigue Every runner can learn something about tissue health from Jay in this episode to help them run strong and stay injury-free.  Links & Resources from the Show:   Running Rewired: Reinvent Your Run for Stability, Strength, and Speed by Jay Dicharry Jay on Instagram MOBO Board on Instagram Get the free injury prevention email series. Take the Strength Running Podcast listener survey to let us know your thoughts and you might win a 30-minute coaching call with me or your choice of one of our training programs.  Thank you MOBO Board!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 recently 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. Thank you DrinkLMNT! 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. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.  Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now 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. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I’m now taking. Turning 40 – and having a thin frame – has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it’s designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don’t feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex!

PT & MOBO Creator Jay Dicharry on Tissue Health: How to Strengthen Bones & Tendons

Runners ask all the time: How should I fit strength training into my endurance goals, and how can I get as strong as possible with limited time? Holly Martin is a personal fitness trainer and run coach based in Nashville, TN who specializes in time-efficient circuit training and individually tailored run programs. Holly comes from a diverse background of professional ballet, ultramarathon running, and 10 years of experience in CrossFit. She’s finished many ultra marathons, including two 100 milers. In this episode, Holly and I talk about:  Strength training for ultra runners to prevent injury and improve endurance Single leg work to reveal weaknesses, imbalances, and poor movement patterns Proper mechanics and activation of certain areas, particularly for runners with weak glutes or other imbalances Purposeful workouts over working out for appearance Strength training for trail runners, focusing on heavy lifts and single leg exercises Alternating between heavier weights and technical work like agility to improve power and explosiveness Quality over quantity in strength training while training for an ultra-marathon When to modify or cut back on strength training for runners based on hunger, fatigue, and form Matching strength training to current fitness level and adjusting as needed in the final two months before the race Enjoying the training process for an ultra-marathon, rather than solely focusing on numbers and metrics Avoiding technical or skill-based movements in the gym that don't directly benefit running Mobility work and static stretching for runners who experience tightness or muscle boundness after training  This is a must-listen episode for an ultra runner who knows they need to step up their strength training game in an approachable way. Links & Resources from the Show:  Holly Martin's Patreon Holly on YouTube Holly's website Holly on Instagram Learn to lift weights like elite runners.   Thank you 2Before! We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles. So, if you want to try to boost your performance and immune system, use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com. Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running! Thank you AG1! 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.

Ultrarunning + Strength Training: How to Get Strong and Gain Endurance with Coach Holly Martin

The running world gets to watch in awe as elites set new records and perform incredible feats. But it’s not all rainbows and unicorns for these athletes. World record holders face injuries and challenges, too. Charlie Lawrence set the record in the 50-mile distance in 2023, clocking in at 4:48:21. That’s an unbelievable average of 5:46 per mile. Charlie also ran his marathon personal record of 2:16 while qualifying for the US Olympic Trials Marathon for the second time. In this episode, Charlie and I talk about:  The glute injury and hip labral tear that led Charlie to pull out of the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials The emotions behind dropping out of the Trials How a series of injuries in 2024 led Charlie to take almost 3 months off of running The treatment and recovery Charlie applied to heal from the injuries, including aqua jogging and pool running Using PRP (platelet rich plasma) and a levering off-load device on the treadmill to aid recovery An aggressive approach to ultra training and the mentality needed to make it work Being proactive in injury prevention, from foam rolling to activation work How Charlie trained to set a 50 mile World Record at a 5:46/mile average pace Charlie’s fueling strategies for ultrarunning and a World Record What running goals Charlie wants to focus on next  This is an inspiring episode for runners of any distance who could use a realistic take on performance and recovery from an elite runner. Links & Resources from the Show:  Charlie on Instagram Get strategies to prevent injury. Let me help you with your training!  Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now 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. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex! Thank you LMNT! 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. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.  

How 50mi World Record Holder Charlie Lawrence Treats Serious Injuries, Fuels his Ultras, and More

The midstance phase of a running stride is a crucial element of running form, but many runners are ignoring it. If you have weaknesses, imbalances, or poor movement patterns, this is the part of the gait cycle that will show it. Chris Johnson, DPT is a Seattle-based physical therapist, performance coach, entrepreneur, and multiple time Kona IRONMAN qualifier who shares how midstance affects your running performance and how you can improve it. In this episode, Chris and I talk about:   Midstance importance in running mechanics and injury prevention   The impact midstance has on muscles and running form   Common problems in midstance technique from knees to hips   The gluteus medius muscle, a common problem area for runners   Training the gluteus maximus and hip abductors for running mechanics   How to train the midstance for stronger running   Single leg exercises for runners with injuries   “Movement snacks” for runners: simple movements throughout the day to help runners improve midstance   This is an excellent episode for any runner who’s considering how their running form plays into their performance, even beyond midstance mechanics. Links & Resources from the Show:   Chris Johnson’s newsletter   Chris Johnson on Instagram   Chris Johnson’s website   Run easier and more powerfully with these form cues   Thank you 2Before! We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles.  If you want to boost your performance and immune system, use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com. Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running!   Thank you MOBO Board 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 recently 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.

226. 2 x Olympian Nick Willis on What it Takes to Run a Sub-4 Mile for 19 Years Straight

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