RunnersConnect Run to the Top Podcast

Is the fatigue you’re feeling overtraining or just the normal fatigue we should all expect when training hard? It’s a question that will drive runners crazy. In today’s episode, we’re going to delve deep and give you some actual measurable data you can use to tell the difference. You’ll learn… The difference between normal training fatigue and overtraining Why training fatigued is sometimes okay (and even needed) Some measurable ways to tell if you’re overtraining How to dig yourself out of being overtrained If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by the decision of whether you’re just feeling tired or if it’s something more serious, then this episode is for you! Calculate how many calories you burn while running easily with our calorie calculator - Download 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: 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: 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: aminoco.com/rttt and use the code RC30 at checkout to save 30% 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.

How can the average athlete relate to some of the best runners in the world? What insights can be gained? And in what ways are we more similar than different?  These are just a few of the questions addressed in this episode of Run To The Top.  We host author Sarah Gearhart who’s recently published book titled “We Share The Sun” takes readers behind the scenes and into the lives of some of the world’s most elite runners in Kenya and their legendary coach, Patrick Sang.  We talk about Kenyan running culture, the philosophy of one of the greatest and least heralded coaches of all-time, the importance of developing character and purpose in tandem with physical fitness, life in the training camps of Iten, and the unique challenges Sang’s athlete face in a changing media and performance landscapes of the sport.  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: Timeline Nutrition Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.  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. 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.

In today’s episode, Coach Jeff Gaudette is going to be answering listener questions we’ve received over the last few weeks from our fans just like you.  We’ve got some great questions, covering everything from how to determine if you can run through an injury or not, how to approach marathon long runs and post run nutrition.  Plus, if you stick around until the end, Coach Jeff delivers some interesting training insights from two elite female runners he coaches who despite running similar times, approach training drastically differently and what you can learn from this. Topics we cover: How to know if you can run through an injury or not Why you should train to burn fat as a fuel source How to accomplish this in training and when Post run recovery Getting sick after hard workouts The importance of long-term thinking in your training Runners with the same PRs but with drastically different training approaches (and how this applies to your training) Is running bad for your knees Don’t forget, 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: 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, sport psychologist Dr. Stan Beecham explains how our own thinking can often get in the way of our ability to perform at our best, especially as runners.  You’ll learn why he thinks we need to… Learn the importance of difficult tasks and making conscious decisions to prioritize long-term results over short-term satisfaction. Be conscious of your thinking: It's important to recognize how our thinking can limit our potential and affect our performance.  Embrace your quirks and do the best you can each day What valuable insights have you gained from this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below!  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 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. 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.

The half marathon is one of the most underrated distances you can train for and race.  Not only is it a good stepping stone in volume for newer runners, but it’s a great way to mix up training for more advanced runners. In today’s episode, Coach Ruiari and Coach Dylan are going to talk about… Why moving up or down to the half marathon distance can help you combine speed and strength training.  Why training for several months consistently is necessary for success in longer races.  The importance of building your lactate threshold during training, especially for a half marathon And specific workouts you can use to crush your next Half Marathon If you’ve got an upcoming Half Marathon or are thinking about what to do for your next race, this is a great listen. Here are some of the sample workouts discussed… Fartlek (short variation): Option 1: 15 x 1’ at LT, 1’ min at MP + 20-40s Option 2: 2 x 10 x 1’ at LT, 1’ min at MP + 20-40s ( 4 min between sets) Option 3: 15 x 1’ at LT, 1’ min at MP + 20-40s, 4 min rest, 10 x 1’ at T, 1’ min at MP + 20-40s, 4 min rest, 5 x 1’ at LT, 1’ min at MP + 20-40 Fartlek (long variation): Option 1: After a warmup do, 6 miles of 400m at 10k pace, 1200m at MP Option 2: After a warmup do, 6 - 7 miles of 800m at T to HM pace, 800m at MP Option 3: After a warmup do, 6 - 8 Miles of 1 mile at T to HM pace, 1 mile at MP Threshold Intervals:  Option 1: After a warmup, 4 x 1 mile at lactate threshold pace with 60 second continuous jog recoveries Option 2: After a warmup, 10 x 800 meters at lactate threshold pace with 60 seconds continuous jog recoveries Option 3: After a warmup, 3 x 2 miles at lactate threshold pace with 2-3 minute continuous jog recoveries Cutdown Session:  8 miles at Marathon Pace plus 40 - 50s, cutting down 10 seconds per mile Example: 2 mile warmup, Miles 2-10 (8:00, 7:50, 7:40, 7:30, 7:20, 7:10, 7:00, 6:50, 6:40, 6:30), 2 mile cool down  HM Pace Specific Sessions:  6 x 1 mile at  goal HM pace (60s jog recoveries) 4 x 2 Miles at goal HM pace (3 min jog recoveries) 6-8 miles at goal HM pace (continuous after warmup miles) 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: 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: aminoco.com/rttt and use the code RC30 at checkout to save 30% 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. 

Are you currently in an injury cycle you can’t seem to break out of?  Well, so is Dean Schmidt and on today’s training plan rescue we’re going to take a deep dive into Dean’s plan to uncover why this is happening and give him a 3-step plan to break out of the injury rut and get back to healthy training. We’ll go in-depth on… Why you should avoid racing for the next 6-8 months The problem with intensity and how to build up your training and mileage How to uncover the source of your nagging injuries Get ready for some awesome training gems from Coach Jeff as he breaks down and rescues Dean’s training plan! Download your FREE Injury Assessment Video now! Looking to improve your running form? Want to increase efficiency, run faster, and stay injury-free? Get your access to our exclusive Running Form Course !! 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 Sleepbreakthrough 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. 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.

One of the most difficult concepts to master as a runner is that you don’t need to be running faster, longer or harder every time out to improve.  In fact, sometimes running just below or slower than your potential in workouts leads to more consistent improvement. In this week’s episode, Coach Jeff is going to discuss the science about why this is so you can fully understand the concept and apply it to your running.  Download the Visual Guide  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: Mobility Wall We all know how important foam rolling is for staying injury-free and just plain feeling better for every run. But, let’s face it, many of us skip it because clearing out space on the floor feels like too much work, the pressure is too painful and difficult to control, or you can’t seem to hit the right spots. That’s why I was so amazed when I saw the door-mounted foam roller from Mobility Wall.  The Mobility Wall device mounts to your doorframe in just a few seconds and is easy to move up and down the frame in just a few seconds.  Not only does this get you off the ground and ready to foam roll in just a few seconds, it also allows you to easily hit muscles in your neck and shoulders that aren’t possible with a traditional foam roller.  Even better, because you’re off the ground, you don’t have to control gravity to adjust the pressure. You simply use upward and inward pressure, which is much easier to control. The days of painful foam rolling are over.  If you’ve been wanting to get more consistent with your injury-prevention work this year, the Mobility Wall foam roller will be a game changer. I can’t believe how much more I’ve been foam rolling since I started using it.  Plus, we’ve got a special offer for you. Just go to mobilitywall.com/RTTT or enter RTTT at checkout for 20% off your first order. Plus, it comes with a free app that gives you video instructions on exactly how to hit every area.  Delta G Ketones have been one of the most well-researched chemicals when it comes to endurance performance. Their only downside is that it typically takes 2 days of fasting for your body to produce them in quantities that would help your performance But, thanks to deltaG and collaborations from the US Military and researchers from NIH and the University of Oxford, they’ve developed a ketone drink that can boost your ketone levels to those seen after 2 days of fasting in just 20 minutes.  The academic literature on the effectiveness of ketones for running performance is overwhelming. If you want to see more of the research, head to runnersconnect.net/deltag Plus, use the code RTT20 when you do and you can save 20% on any purchase you make.

Did you train “harder than ever” for your last race and still come up short? Are you a masters runner who feels like your times are going in the wrong direction and you need to “right the ship”? That’s what Russel was feeling after his last marathon, where he trained harder than ever, but still came up short.  In this episode of Training Plan Rescue, Coach Michael digs deep into Russell’s plan to give coaching guidance on some of the mistakes he may have made with his mileage, the intensity of his long runs, and his training paces. Make sure you listen to this one with a notebook in hand, because you’re going to want to take a lot of notes! 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 Countless research studies have shown that pillow selection can have a dramatic impact on sleep quality. For example, a systematic review of ergonomic sleep data demonstrated that selecting a pillow based on your sleep position (on your back or on your side) dramatically improved sleep quality and reduced spinal pain. That’s why we love the pillows designed 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. 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.  LMNT  Did you know that you’re likely to sweat as much, if not more, in the winter than in the summer? That’s because we often wear such warm clothes to start our runs, which leads to more sweating towards the end. Plus, the sweat gets absorbed by our clothes, so it’s harder to notice. Now, you already know that when you sweat, you lose electrolytes, which are essential for your body's best performance. But you've also been told that too much salt is bad for you, so it can get confusing to know what to do. The truth is that athletes, healthy eaters, and heavy sweaters all need more sodium and just about everyone needs more potassium in their diet and we don't need a bunch of sugar and artificial junk along the way.  Element is the hydration solution designed with athletes and everyone who sweats in mind. Element comes in lots of salty flavors that even the saltiest sweaters will love, such as citrus, raspberry, and orange. It even comes unflavored for those who prefer the clean, salty taste. That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this winter. 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 claim this exclusive deal you must go to drinkLMNT.com/runnersconnect.

Periodization is one of the most important training concepts that helps runners break through plateaus.   Once you stop training race-to-race and focus on how all your seasons fit together, huge breakthroughs can happen.   In today’s show, Coach Ruairi and Coach Dylan are going to help define what periodization is and go over the two most popular approaches so you can learn how it can benefit you at any race distance.   If you’ve been stuck in a plateau with your training or racing, this will be an awesome 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 Health Finding the right supplements at the right dosages specifically for your needs isn’t easy.  That’s why we love Elo Health. Elo uses a combination of at-home blood biomarker testing, Apple Health data, and Dietitian support to determine exactly the right supplements just for you.  Your custom supplements are delivered straight to your door every month, divided into convenient daily packets and evolve as your biomarkers and health data change. If you’d like to give Elo a try, you can get a free blood biomarker test (a $200 value) by going to elo.health and entering code RTTT.  Ned Chai Shuteye Chai is a latte for sleep that combines adaptogens, aminos, functional mushrooms, and magnesium wrapped in a heavenly masala chai-inspired spiced body. Specifically, ingredients such as chaga, reishi, and ashwagandha help calm your central nervous system, which we know is always elevated from training, family and work stress, and too much screen time. If you’re looking for a delicious way to feel more relaxed and calm before you go to bed and get more quality sleep, discover how Shuteye Chai can revolutionize your sleep and get 15% off with code RTTT. Go to helloned.com/RTTT or enter code RTTT at checkout.

Have you ever been curious about hearing from the families of Olympic-level endurance athletes? Perhaps, you’ve been curious about the roles they played, the support they provided, and the insights they have from being so close to the athletes?    Well in this conversation with Nancy and Elizabeth Jorgensen, you’re getting just that. Nancy and Elizabeth recently wrote a book time lining and reflecting on Professional Triathlete Gwen Jorgensen’s rise from intrinsically inspired kid athlete to gold medal winner at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.   In this episode we talk about the themes of: personal discovery risk-taking goal-setting team-building   You’ll enjoy and gain value for your own endurance sports journey regardless of whether you are at the level of Gwen, a weekend warrior, or someone just getting their start in road running or triathlons. 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: 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. BiOptimizers 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. Athletic Greens 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.   One scoop of AG1 contains 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals and whole food-sourced ingredients, including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, greens superfood blend and more.   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.

The marathon isn’t just a physical beast, it’s also a mental battle against yourself.    A lot of races can be lost in the last 10k simply because we aren’t mentally prepared.   On this week’s Coach Chat we cover the mental side of racing and go over 9 tips you can use to stay mentally engaged when the pain starts to set in.   After listening, you’ll be ready to master the last 10k mentally and a PR might just be on the horizon! 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: Mobility Wall We all know how important foam rolling is for staying injury-free and just plain feeling better for every run. But, let’s face it, many of us skip it because clearing out space on the floor feels like too much work, the pressure is too painful and difficult to control, or you can’t seem to hit the right spots. That’s why I was so amazed when I saw the door-mounted foam roller from Mobility Wall.  The Mobility Wall device mounts to your doorframe in just a few seconds and is easy to move up and down the frame in just a few seconds.  Not only does this get you off the ground and ready to foam roll in just a few seconds, it also allows you to easily hit muscles in your neck and shoulders that aren’t possible with a traditional foam roller.  Even better, because you’re off the ground, you don’t have to control gravity to adjust the pressure. You simply use upward and inward pressure, which is much easier to control. The days of painful foam rolling are over.  If you’ve been wanting to get more consistent with your injury-prevention work this year, the Mobility Wall foam roller will be a game changer. I can’t believe how much more I’ve been foam rolling since I started using it.  Plus, we’ve got a special offer for you. Just go to mobilitywall.com/RTTT or enter RTTT at checkout for 20% off your first order. Plus, it comes with a free app that gives you video instructions on exactly how to hit every area. Lagoon Countless research studies have shown that pillow selection can have a dramatic impact on sleep quality. For example, a systematic review of ergonomic sleep data demonstrated that selecting a pillow based on your sleep position (on your back or on your side) dramatically improved sleep quality and reduced spinal pain. Likewise, research has shown that pillow firmness and height also had positive impacts on sleep quality when adjusted for sleep position and the subject's height. Multiple studies have also shown that pillow stuffing that can keep you cool throughout the night leads to much better deep sleep outcomes. That’s why we love the pillows designed 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. 

For those who have ever thought they were too old or too unfit to compete in endurance sports, listen to this conversation with Hilary Topper. Growing up and even well into adulthood, Hilary did not consider herself an athlete. But in her late 40s, she decided to get into running.   Fast forward a decade and she’s completed numerous road races and triathlons, started virtual endurance teams and communities, maintained an inspirational blog on all these topics, and written a book going through all the details of her journey and offering advice to fellow runners and those just starting out in our sport looking for a similar roadmap.    In this episode you’ll learn: How we can make the running community more accessible and interesting to middle and back of the pack endurance athletes How to maintain a positive attitude and growth mindset in the face of adversity, especially when you’re starting a new venture or hobby like running How to make your running journey an especially rewarding one by fostering community and teamwork Recommendations to make your running practice sustainable for months, years, even decades 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 is not only important for your run, but your recovery and overall health as well. That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this winter. 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 claim this exclusive deal, go to drinkLMNT.com/runnersconnect.  BiOptimizers: 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   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. Athletic Greens: 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.   One scoop of AG1 contains 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals and whole food-sourced ingredients, including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, greens superfood blend and more.   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.

On today’s coach chat podcast episode, we’re going to hear from RunnersConnect head coach Michael Hammond about the common struggles our athletes are facing right now and how we’re helping them overcome them. We’ve always felt the group atmosphere is part of what sets us apart from most training plans - even other customized ones. As an athlete, sometimes it’s just nice to know that others are struggling with the same issues as you are or are having the same fears and apprehensions at the same time during a training cycle. When a workout or long run feels harder than you think it should have, it’s nice to confirm with other runners that you’re not alone and it’s part of the process or how you should feel. So, today Coach Michael is going to give you an inside look at some of the winter running struggles many of our athletes are facing and how you can overcome them too! 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: Ned Chai Shuteye Chai is a latte for sleep that combines adaptogens, aminos, functional mushrooms, and magnesium wrapped in a heavenly masala chai-inspired spiced body. Specifically, ingredients such as chaga, reishi, and ashwagandha help calm your central nervous system, which we know is always elevated from training, family and work stress, and too much screen time. If you’re looking for a delicious way to feel more relaxed and calm before you go to bed and get more quality sleep, discover how Shuteye Chai can revolutionize your sleep and get 15% off with code RTTT. Go to helloned.com/RTTT or enter code RTTT at checkout. Delta G Ketones have been one of the most well-researched chemicals when it comes to endurance performance. Their only downside is that it typically takes 2 days of fasting for your body to produce them in quantities that would help your performance But, thanks to deltaG and collaborations from the US Military and researchers from NIH and the University of Oxford, they’ve developed a ketone drink that can boost your ketone levels to those seen after 2 days of fasting in just 20 minutes.  The academic literature on the effectiveness of ketones for running performance is overwhelming. If you want to see more of the research, head to runnersconnect.net/deltag Plus, use the code RTT20 when you do and you can save 20% on any purchase you make.

It’s the beginning of February and that means most of us are in the midst of our training for spring races. With races still a few months away, and the training starting to get difficult, this is a great time to start thinking about the mental component to your training and racing.  Mental training is often overlooked as we focus so much of our attention on the physical aspects of our workouts. But, being mentally strong and knowing how to overcome the mental challenges that every race and training plan present is a critical piece to your success. So, today you’ll hear from some of our best guests we’ve had on the podcast over the last few years on mental training. You’ll learn… How to improve your confidence How to deal with bad things happening on race day Learning to push through pain Mental training techniques you can use in training to improve your mental toughness. For those of you who are RunnersConnect members and want more on mental training, be sure to check out the Mental Training Summit inside the Courses section of your training plan.  If you’re not a member and want to check it out, here is the link to learn more about the mental summit: Get Unlimited Access to 15 Psychologists, Therapists, and Expert Interviews (and more) This is the perfect episode for those of you training for spring races. We hope you enjoy! 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: 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. 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.  

Not including proper progression in your strength routines is one of the biggest reasons you may still be getting injured despite performing injury prevention routines and why your progress may have stalled. In today’s episode, Coach Jeff is going to help you fix this by… Explaining what progression is and why it’s important The different ways you can add-in progressive overload to your training Walk you through a 4-phase progression you can implement in your training today. If you’re not currently implementing progression into your strength training, this is a must listen! To make it easier for you to implement, Get your FREE copy of Strength Progression PDF 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: Mobility Wall We all know how important foam rolling is for staying injury-free and just plain feeling better for every run. But, let’s face it, many of us skip it because clearing out space on the floor feels like too much work, the pressure is too painful and difficult to control, or you can’t seem to hit the right spots. That’s why I was so amazed when I saw the door-mounted foam roller from Mobility Wall.  The Mobility Wall device mounts to your doorframe in just a few seconds and is easy to move up and down the frame in just a few seconds.  Not only does this get you off the ground and ready to foam roll in just a few seconds, it also allows you to easily hit muscles in your neck and shoulders that aren’t possible with a traditional foam roller.  Even better, because you’re off the ground, you don’t have to control gravity to adjust the pressure. You simply use upward and inward pressure, which is much easier to control. The days of painful foam rolling are over.  If you’ve been wanting to get more consistent with your injury-prevention work this year, the Mobility Wall foam roller will be a game changer. I can’t believe how much more I’ve been foam rolling since I started using it.  Plus, we’ve got a special offer for you. Just go to mobilitywall.com/RTTT or enter RTTT at checkout for 20% off your first order. Plus, it comes with a free app that gives you video instructions on exactly how to hit every area. Lagoon Pillow Countless research studies have shown that pillow selection can have a dramatic impact on sleep quality. For example, a systematic review of ergonomic sleep data demonstrated that selecting a pillow based on your sleep position (on your back or on your side) dramatically improved sleep quality and reduced spinal pain. Likewise, research has shown that pillow firmness and height also had positive impacts on sleep quality when adjusted for sleep position and the subject's height. Multiple studies have also shown that pillow stuffing that can keep you cool throughout the night leads to much better deep sleep outcomes. That’s why we love the pillows designed 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.