RunnersConnect Run to the Top Podcast

Should runners be practicing their form?  Running is one of the few sports that we typically spend all our time training but not practicing. But running is a highly skilled movement, and while there is no perfect running form, should we look to optimize form to boost performance and reduce injuries?  Here to answer all these questions and provide a masterclass on the subject is Doug Adams Doug is a Physical Therapist who has published and spoken at an international level on all things related to running, taught thousands of professionals his approach to running gait analysis, and designed and created a widely-adopted portable 3D Motion Analysis system called Helix 3D for analyzing and categorizing running form. Specifically, we cover: how running gait impacts overall running performance common mistakes or inefficiencies in running form specific drills or exercises that can help improve running form? how optimizing running form can improve performance and reduce the risk of injuries Marching Drills - https://youtu.be/WnXk6GK9wPM Wall Drill - https://youtu.be/3yefkVPBLbQ FREE Essential Elements of Running Course - https://rundna.com/product/essential-elements-of-running/ If anyone is interested in taking a guided virtual runner readiness assessment we do have a way people can self-test and get a plan to help them with their top priority (Training, strength, flexibility, specific injuries, etc) - https://app.rundna.com/public/survey Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: AG1 Adding AG1 to my daily routine has been the best thing I've done all year. If you've been thinking about trying AG1 as well, but the price kept holding you back, AG1 has made it an even better deal for Run to the Top listeners  by giving you a year's supply of Vitamin D plus 5 travel packs and a money back guarantee if you don’t love it when you use the link athleticgreens.com/rttt.  Timeline Nutrition Timeline Nutrition has developed a groundbreaking product called Mitopure that revitalizes your mitochondria, which creates energy in nearly every cell in your body so it has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. BiOptimizers Today’s episode is sponsored by Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. Their industry-leading magnesium supplement helps you sleep better and reduce stress. Just head to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop and use code run10 to save 10 percent when you try Magnesium Breakthrough. Plus, if it doesn’t improve your sleep and energy levels like it did for me, or if you’re not satisfied for any reason, they have a 100% money-back guarantee so there’s no risk in trying it out.

It’s that time of year again when most runners are starting the real meat of their training plan. The summer has started, you’ve had your few weeks of building back into a plan, and now the real work begins. At RunnersConnect, we work with hundreds of runners each season and one of the big benefits of that is how much data we’re able to see every year. We’re able to see huge patterns across what type of training runners are doing when they start training for their race, what types of training and plans they’ve done in the past, and of course what’s worked and what hasn’t. In today’s episode we go in-depth on 4 of the biggest issues we see when looking at the data and give you some helpful tips on how to make sure you don’t succumb to the same mistakes. How Race Specific Workouts Will Help You Smash Your Personal Bests Download your FREE Improvement Performance Calculator now. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: TANRI Tanri offers all-natural traditional suncreens, SPF 30 mineral sunscreen, SPF 15 lip balm, an SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer, and an After-Sun Restorative Moisturizer made for runners, by runners.    If you want to give Tanri a try, head over to Tanri.com and use the code RTTT15 to get 15% off your entire purchase for the entire month of June.  Interested in a FREE 3-month coaching program?!  Also, don’t forget to enter our giveaway with Tanri   You can win… 1- National Parks Pass 1- $100 Fleet Feet gift card 1- piece of TANRI gear 1- TANRI Ambassador box which includes all of their suncare products 3 months Personal Coaching from RunnersConnect The giveaway runs throughout the month of June and the winner will be announced via TANRI’s Instagram account on July 3rd.   Enter and all other details here: https://runnersconnect.net/tanri  Lagoon Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery. Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more. And the data on sleep improvement isn’t only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.   If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to https://lagoonsleep.com/top  Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that’s perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you’ll also save 15% off your purchase. 

I know I am often guilty of not wanting to warm-up like I know I should. Sometimes it feels like “just another thing” I need to do, especially when everything is feeling good. But, what always helps me step back and focus on warming up, even when I don’t want to, is thinking back to the scientific understanding of why it’s so critical and just exactly how much it can help decrease injuries. So, in today’s episode we’re going to help you by giving you that in-depth understanding of the why, the benefits and the how to so you can remind yourself just how important it is on those days you want to skip it. We’re going to dive into… Exactly why the warm-up is so important to performance and injury prevention How we often confuse flexibility with being warmed up and why we need to rethink this concept. The difference between active stretching and a dynamic warm-up Plus, how long and what type of warm-ups to do, even in bad weather You’ll learn a lot of helpful lessons in this one, so let’s get to it! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: LMNT Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect. Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers.  Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to… Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise Reduce inflammation  Significantly improve sleep quality Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training. When you’re looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium.  Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it’s made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough. For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top  listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop and use code run10 to save 10% when you try Magnesium Breakthrough. Plus, they offer a full refund up to one year after your purchase, no questions asked.  

Chat GPT been hailed as a game-changer for many industries, but what about for your running training? In this week’s Coach Chat episode, Coach Michael and Coach Andie take on Chat GPT and break down their responses.  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Perform from the Amino Company Perform is an amino acid based formulation that I simply add to my water bottle during my run. It tastes great and is easy on my stomach. Clinical studies have shown that Perform helps improve endurance, reduce fatigue, and increases muscle protein synthesis so you recover faster after the run. Check out the research here: https://aminoco.com/rttt If you’re interested in learning  more and giving Perform a try, we’ve got a special offer for you where you can save 30% by using the code RC30. Just head to: https://aminoco.com/rttt and use the code RC30 at checkout to save 30%. Dri Seats If you’re tired of sweaty, smelly and stained seats after your runs then you have to check out the car seat covers made specifically for runners from driseats. DriSeats waterproof seat covers are designed specifically for runners. Unlike towels, they are 100% waterproof and easily fit over your entire seat so you don’t have any missed spots. Plus, they are super easy to slide over your seat so it’s ready in seconds and they are machine washable so they are easy to clean and be ready for your next run. You can head to driseats.com and use code RC20 to get 20% off first order

GPS watches are an essential tool in the toolkit of runners everywhere.  But have you ever stopped to consider whether you understand the ins and outs of the technology at your disposal? Have you ever wondered about the utility of watch metrics like running dynamics, performance condition, or intensity minutes? Do you ever feel like you may have too many features and too much data to wade through? Here to help us understand how to get the most out of cutting edge GPS watches for our training, racing, and overall wellness is Joe Heikes, a Product Manager at Garmin.  Specifically, we discuss: how to organize and make sense of all the features a GPS watch has to offer  the basic and advanced metrics you can reliably track on your GPS watch tips and tricks for using GPS watches and getting the most out of features like training readiness  the features and benefits that differentiate Garmin GPS watches from the rest of the market  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Garmin It’s no secret — Garmin’s been in the running smartwatch game for a long time. So long, in fact, they just hit twenty years of Forerunner. To celebrate, Garmin’s put select Forerunner watches on sale. Shop the new Forerunner lineup now at Garmin dot com and be sure to check out the sale on select Forerunner watches. Timeline Timeline Nutrition has developed a groundbreaking product called Mitopure that revitalizes your mitochondria, which creates energy in nearly every cell in your body. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. AG1 If you’re someone who struggles to get in all the fruit and veggies you need, or who wants to get more consistent but always falls off, or you end up finding tons of fruits and veggies gone bad in the fridge, AG1 will make it simple and delicious. If you want to try them out and get a special bonus of 5 travel packs and a year’s supply of vitamin D, head to athleticgreens.com/rttt.

Now that memorial day is behind us, it’s time to kick summer training into full gear! Most normal people think of the beach, bbqs and pools when they think of summer, but us runners know summer is really about the long runs and grueling workouts that fortify us for a fall of new personal bests. With that in mind, in today’s episode our coaching staff, both current and former, are going to answer some of your questions about summer training.  You’ll learn… Neat tips and strategies to adapt your speed workouts to the heat Uncommon signs of dehydration you may see Running on the beach and with your dogs Optimizing performance for hot summer races This is a must listen before we hit the peak of summer training and I guarantee you’ll pick up at least a few new ideas you can implement in your training. Get your free download of our exclusive Temperature Calculator now! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: TANRI Tanri offers all-natural traditional suncreens, SPF 30 mineral sunscreen, SPF 15 lip balm, an SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer, and an After-Sun Restorative Moisturizer made for runners, by runners.    Unlike most chemical sunscreens, Tanri uses Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which protect from both types of UV rays. Plus, they use all-natural Ingredients that are better for you and the environment. And, the most important part for runners – it goes on smooth and won’t burn your eyes during a heavy, sweaty workout because of the natural ingredients.    Don’t be that runner that acts too late when it comes to taking care of your skin. If you’ve tried regular sunscreen in the past, but hated the slimy feel or how it got in your eyes, you’ll love how Tanri has fixed all those issues for runners.    If you want to give Tanri a try, head over to Tanri.com and use the code RTTT to get 10% your entire purchase.  Kudoos   Experience live motivation, coaching and real cash rewards with Koodos Live, the latest fitness app founded by 2 MIT runners and aerospace engineers.   Koodos is the perfect motivational tool for any fitness journey. It's easy to use, immersive, social and a lot of fun too.   Use Koodos next time you head out for a run and experience the thrill and motivation of receiving real-time cheers and challenges. You’ll find yourself pushing extra hard each time you head out!   Collect Koodos tokens from your followers to earn badges and real cash rewards. Cash out your rewards or donate to charity… you can do it all within the Koodos Live app.   Download the Koodos Live app today IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/koodoslive/id1607115205 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.koodos.koodosapp

How many times have you finished a race and thought “I could have pushed harder”? If you’re anything like me, then this likely happens to you quite often. But, one thing I learned from interviewing some of the best runners in the world is that you can actually train your mind, just like your body, to overcome your brain telling you to slow down and learn how to better push your physical limits. To help you learn how to do this, I’ve brought on one of our favorite guests, Matt Fitzgerald. He’s going to teach you… The science of inhibitory control and the benefits of practicing inhibitory control How to deal with your thoughts during a long endurance race How to unlock neuroplasticity for better performance Perception of effort and how it affects physical & mental capacity If you’re tired of finishing races like you could have pushed yourself harder, this is a must listen! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Lagoon Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery. Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more. And the data on sleep improvement isn’t only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.   If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to https://lagoonsleep.com/top  Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that’s perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you’ll also save 15% off your purchase.  LMNT  Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

What age were you when you first started running? I’m guessing you were over 18 - and likely over 30, 40 or even 50. And unfortunately, as you may have well experienced, there’s something so much harder about starting when you’re older. So many more obstacles, worries, and challenges that your running peers who started earlier in life never had to deal with.  In today’s episode, Coach Jeff is going to dig deep into many of these reasons and share with you some tips on how to make some of them a little easier or less challenging. You’ll learn… The science behind why it’s more difficult to stay healthy The big physiological disadvantage you face (and how to catch up) And how our approach to goals as adult runners puts us at a disadvantage Having been someone who took up running very early in life and now someone who coaches almost exclusively people who didn’t, Coach Jeff has a lot of unique perspectives and anecdotes he’s going to share with you that really make some of these points hit home. If you started running later in life, you’re really going to love this episode.  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Heal from the Amino Company Heal from the Amino Company. Heal is an amino acid, whey and creatine based formulation designed to reduce recovery times and improve physical function after injuries by accelerating muscle repair while helping maintain a healthy inflammatory response. Check out the research here: aminoco.com/rttt If you're looking for a nutritional advantage when it comes to recovering from your running injury or your daily training I recommend you give Heal a try. If you’re interested in learning  more and giving Heal a try, we’ve got a special offer for you where you can save 30% by using the code RC30. Just head to: https://aminoco.com/rttt and use the code RC30 at checkout to save 30% Dri Seats If you’re tired of sweaty, smelly and stained seats after your runs then you have to check out the car seat covers made specifically for runners from driseats. DriSeats waterproof seat covers are designed specifically for runners. Unlike towels, they are 100% waterproof and easily fit over your entire seat so you don’t have any missed spots. Plus, they are super easy to slide over your seat so it’s ready in seconds and they are machine washable so they are easy to clean and be ready for your next run. You can head to driseats.com and use code RC20 to get 20% off first order

Are you a runner that has suffered from hip-related injuries, weakness, or mobility issues? Do you suspect it’s having a negative impact on your training?  Well, you are in luck because in this episode runner rehab specialist Dr. Lauren LaPierre returns to the podcast to discuss all things hip strengthening. Specifically, we discuss: warning signs or symptoms of hip dysfunction common causes of hip tightness and restricted mobility in runners how hip mobility impacts running efficiency and performance specific hip stretches, mobility exercises for runners to consider the role of hip flexibility and range of motion and its impact on running mechanics strength training exercises that improve hip stability and prevent common hip injuries cross-training exercises that specifically benefit hip health To follow & connect with Dr. Lauren click here: @thepersonalizedrunningdoc   To learn more about 1:1 coaching opportunities with Dr. Lauren, whether you're looking to return to running pain free or improve your running performance for a race this coming fall, schedule a FREE Discovery Zoom Call via this link: https://thepersonalizedrunningdoc.com/schedule To view & try the exercises discussed in this podcast, click this link: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1dIVowABft61dRibvUZUxTGwHScJLHE8 Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Oladance If you’ve tried running with headphones before but didn’t like how they felt, then you really need to give Oladance headphones a try. You’ll be amazed at the difference their open-ear-design makes. Just visit oladance.com/rttt and use the code RTTT to save 20% on your purchase. Timeline Timeline Nutrition has developed a groundbreaking product called Mitopure that revitalizes your mitochondria, which creates energy in nearly every cell in your body. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. AG1 If you’re someone who struggles to get in all the fruit and veggies you need, or who wants to get more consistent but always falls off, or you end up finding tons of fruits and veggies gone bad in the fridge, AG1 will make it simple and delicious. If you want to try them out and get a special bonus of 5 travel packs and a year’s supply of vitamin D, head to athleticgreens.com/rttt.

There’s a lot to be said about the benefits of quick and easy online logs like strava, but is it possible you’re missing out by not keeping a hand-written log as well? Coach Ruiari and Dylan think so and in today’s episode they’re going to discuss why exactly they think hand-written logs can be such a beneficial tool to improve your running. Some of the benefits they discuss are… The ability to easily flip back over years and analyze trends Hand-written logs by nature help you write down more thoughts and feelings and not just data so you have more insight into why you might have been running so well or so poorly. Especially for beginners, it can help you understand the reason behind why you’re doing things. This is a great back and forth between the coaches and something I think every runner can get something out of. If you’re not already using a hand-written log, this will be a great listen. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Elo Protein Elo’s Smart Protein takes the guesswork out of finding the optimal protein amount and blend for you by drawing data from your wearables and fitness apps such as Strava, Peloton, and Apple Watch to provide specific dosing recommendations after every workout.  Elo Smart Protein comes in either grass-fed whey or pea protein, and can include other functional ingredients, like probiotics and ashwagandha, to help you recover faster and support your goals.  Take out the guesswork and get the right amount of protein after every workout. Go to elo.health and enter code RTTT for 50% off your first month. MetPro Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.  Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.  MetPro’s coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they’re empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs. Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt

Setting realistic goals is perhaps one of the most important pieces of starting out your training on the right foot and one of the most common reasons we see runners struggle with their training. So, today we’ll be hearing from  Dr. Grayson Kimball, a Sport Psychology Consultant in the Boston area who is also a big runner himself. In this episode, you’ll learn… How to know if your goals are realistic and why this is so important How to combine setting long-term and short-term goals Re-setting your goals after an injury or period of missed running And how to exceed your limits with mental preparation. There are a lot of great insights from this interview that are going to help you plan and prepare for your upcoming fall races. So, let’s get to it! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: LMNT - Summer Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect. Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to… Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise Reduce inflammation  Significantly improve sleep quality Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training. When you’re looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium.  Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it’s made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough. For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top  listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop   

With the main portion of the spring racing season completed, many of you are likely pondering what you should do next. So, today our current and past coaching team are going to answer some listener questions about what to do after your race. Here’s what you’ll learn… Why you need to have a period of recovery after a marathon (and how to do it properly) How to deal with muscle soreness after races and why it might be happening to you more than normal. How to put a bad race behind you The best way to approach training for back-to-back marathons And what to do between races to optimize your long-term progression If you have questions you’d like our coaches to answer on the podcast, you can head to https://runnersconnect.net/daily and submit them to us.  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Oladance If you’re looking for better and safer headphones while you run, then you need to check out oladance.  The unique design of their headphones allows you to listen to your favorite music and podcast while running, yet still hear everything going on around you so you can stay safe. But my favorite part is that their open-ear-design means your ears will never get tired or fatigued, even after 2 hours or more of listening. That makes them perfect for those super long runs. Plus, their dynamic driver is 3 x bigger than most headphones, which allows them to deliver superior sound, while still being comfortable. Just visit oladance.com/rttt and use the code TOP to save 20% on your purchase. Heal from the Amino Company Heal from the Amino Company. Heal is an amino acid, whey and creatine based formulation designed to reduce recovery times and improve physical function after injuries by accelerating muscle repair while helping maintain a healthy inflammatory response. Check out the research here: aminoco.com/rttt If you're looking for a nutritional advantage when it comes to recovering from your running injury or your daily training I recommend you give Heal a try. If you’re interested in learning  more and giving Heal a try, we’ve got a special offer for you where you can save 30% by using the code RC30. Just head to: aminoco.com/rttt and use the code RC30 at checkout to save 30%

Today we’re lucky enough to have our very own Coach Jeff on the show to talk about the importance of macronutrients and how ensuring you have the right mix can help you hit your performance and nutrition goals. You’ll learn… The role of each macronutrient and why each is critical to performance and health The optimal ratio of macronutrients to hit your goals How you should adjust these macros based on your training, age, gender and other factors. And if you stick around until the end, Coach Jeff will give you some awesome tips to make hitting you daily macronutrient goals easier. There’s a lot to unpack here and Coach Jeff is going to get real in-depth, so let’s get to it! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: BiOptimzers Sleep If you struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep all night, then you’re going to love the new product from BiOpimizes called Sleep Breakthrough. Sleep Breakthrough is a delicious sleep drink that supports your natural melatonin production and relaxation without creating a dependency so you can have your best night’s sleep on demand You’ll fall asleep in minutes and you’ll stay asleep throughout the night.  For an exclusive offer for our listeners go to sleepbreakthrough.com/runtothetop In addition to the discount you get by using promo code RUN10, you can unlock special gifts with purchase with retail values of at least 20 dollars. TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better.  Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria.  Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

How much should you trust your GPS watch?  In this week's coaches chat, coaches Michael and Andy dig into GPS watches and cover some of the most common questions and concerns we see as coaches, plus metrics we recommend tracking.  They’ll discuss… Why GPS watches may not always be accurate, especially on trails or dirt roads. Why certified marathon courses are more accurate than GPS watches. Understanding effort is more important than just focusing on paces for training How to have a healthy balance between the data you consume and the effort you put in.  You don't want to miss this one.  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Lagoon Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery. Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more. And the data on sleep improvement isn’t only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.   If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top  Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that’s perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you’ll also save 15% off your purchase.  Oladance If you’re looking for better and safer headphones while you run, then you need to check out oladance.  The unique design of their headphones allows you to listen to your favorite music and podcast while running, yet still hear everything going on around you so you can stay safe. But my favorite part is that their open-ear-design means your ears will never get tired or fatigued, even after 2 hours or more of listening. That makes them perfect for those super long runs. Plus, their dynamic driver is 3 x bigger than most headphones, which allows them to deliver superior sound, while still being comfortable. Just visit oladance.com/rttt and use the code TOP to save 20% on your purchase.

On this episode of RunnersConnect, we explore various ways to improve running form and prevent injuries.  Our expert guest, Jay Dicharry, shares insights from his experience analyzing running patterns and addressing injuries as a physical therapist.  Jay’s going to discuss the most common issues we see when it comes to running form and injury, including the two most usual culprits of poor form and injury, posture and foot strike. Plus, we’re going to get into building strength and power in your legs, the impact of different types of footwear on foot strikes and load on the body, and the role of glute muscles in running posture alignment.  Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this episode has something to help you run stronger and with less injury risk. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers.  Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to… Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise Reduce inflammation  Significantly improve sleep quality Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training. When you’re looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium.  Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it’s made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough. For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top  listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  to save up to 42%  LMNT Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.