Personal Best

Ultrarunner Karl Meltzer discusses how he broke the Appalachian Trail thru-hike record, something he’s been chasing for nearly a decade. (1:56)Learn how to run better off-road with pro tips from an experienced—and really fast—trail runner. (28:35)In the Kick, a community rallies around a young runner with autism, “Elvis Presley” wins a marathon in Las Vegas, and how to stay motivated during the upcoming holidays. (36:58)This week's episode is brought to you by Jabra. Listeners can go to jabra.com/runnersworld to sign up for exlusive discounts and special offers on Jabra products like the Jabra Elite Sport wireless earbuds.  Check out our show page here. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). 

Josh LaJaunie and Eileen Moon, our 2016 Cover Search winners, talk with Editor-in-Chief David Willey about how the sport has impacted their lives, and how they strive to help others as well. (2:21)In the Kick, we recap the New York City Marathon, including a 96-year-old WWII Marine’s amazing journey to the finish line. (1:06:34)Check out our show page here. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). 

A roundtable discussion between Runner's World editors, experts, and regular runners about the various forms of harassment women face while running, and what can be done about it. (2:30)Sons of Anarchy actor Theo Rossi talks about the intersection of running and acting and the buildup to his first marathon (this Sunday!). (52:37)In the Kick, a quick roundup of what to watch for in the New York City Marathon this weekend. (1:12:08)Check out our show page here. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). 

Lisa Hallet, founder of Wear Blue: Run to Remember, speaks about how running gave her—and many of her fellow military spouses—a sense of control at a time where everything felt completely out of control. (2:17)A look at what really goes on in our heads while we run. (Note: It is not always food related.) (41:48)In the Kick, a surgeon challenges his 91-year-old patient to a race, the record for the fastest run across the country is smashed, and the best Halloween costumes to race in. (50:48)Check out our show page here. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). 

Dean Karnazes, legendary ultrarunner and author, discusses how he became a runner, his latest book (The Road to Sparta), and some of his most memorable running adventures. (1:33)Why the most important part of your run may just happen in the 10 minutes after you’re done. (44:17)In the Kick, Ed Whitlock crushes another age-group record, several unique Guinness World Records fall at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Half Marathon, and can your favorite type of running shoe be injuring you?  (1:01:15)Further reading:Get Stronger With This 10-Minute Workout for RunnersCheck out our show page here. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). 

We’ve got a bonus piece from this week’s Human Race episode, “Bright Eyes.” In this segment, blind runner Anthony Butler and his running guide Kate Dixon talk about how they navigate the intricate act of running as one. (2:28)Should mortal runners ever consider getting a coach? Yep. And contributing producer Claire Trageser explains why. (16:26)In the Kick, we discuss a few of the notable stories that came out of the Windy City this past weekend, and the surprising cover model on this month’s issue. (27:09)Help Panoply learn more about the podcasts you love, and how much you listen to them, by taking a short survey at Panoply.fm/survey. Thanks!This week’s show is sponsored by Blue Apron. Get your first three meals for free by going to Blueapron.com/run.  Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio).

Writer Kristin Armstrong discusses how she balances life as a mother, friend, and grad student while also finding the joy in her running life. (2:50)We bring you the final part of Project Build Strength, otherwise known as executive editor Tish Hamilton’s quest to run less, and cross train more. (30:14)In the Kick, two very different record attempts in the world of ultrarunning, how fast you need to be to qualify for the Boston Marathon, and an alleged thief who picked the wrong hotel room. (44:53)Help Panoply learn more about the podcasts you love, and how much you listen to them, by taking a short survey at Panoply.fm/survey. Thanks!Join us for the Runner’s World Half & Festival October 14-16 in our backyard of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Listeners can get a $10 discount on your online registration. Sign up at RWHalf.com and use the promo code “RWShow.”

Editor-in-chief David Willey talks with comedian Liz Miele about how running keeps her sane, and stokes her funny. (2:10)Producer Christine Fennessy gets the lowdown from training editor Meghan Kita on why runners really need to back off and rest once in a while (and gets staffers to admit to times when they ran when they really shouldn't have. And paid for it.) (27:01) In the Kick, we talk about marathoners denied a Boston qualifier, another attempt to set a record running the Appalachian Trail, and Apple's latest and greatest. (39:49)This week’s show is sponsored by Blue Apron. Get your first three meals for free by going to Blueapron.com/run. We are also sponsored by Harry’s. Go to Harrys.com, look for the Truman set, and enter the promo code “Run” at checkout to get $5 off your purchase.Check out our show page here. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). 

Bart Yasso, the Mayor of Running, talks about his 40 years as a runner, his 29 years working at Runner’s World, his hard-won training tips, and how much has changed in the sport. (1:45)Shalane Flanagan and her coauthor Elyse Kopecky talk about their new book, Run Fast, Eat Slow with our food and nutrition editor, Heather Mayer Irvine. They also share their favorite smoothie recipe from the book. (37:51) In the Kick, we break down how much salt runners really need (especially when it is hot out), why racing a mile is so great, and the surprising way one runner picked up her first marathon win. (52:58)Check out our show page here. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). This week’s show is sponsored by Casper. Get $50 toward any mattress purchase by visiting Casper.com/run and using promo code RUN. (Terms and Conditions Apply.)

Want to run your first (or fastest) marathon? Our expert roundtable of Executive Editor Tish Hamilton, training director Budd Coates, and Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso answers your lingering questions on how to get to the starting line healthy so you reach the finish line with your best time ever. (2:34) In the Kick, our team discusses some of the best running cities in America, a WWII veteran who just completed his three-year run across the country, and Kevin Hart’s biggest running accomplishment to date. (55:02)                                                                                                     Check out our show page here. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). 

Another Mother Runner cofounders Dimity McDowell Davis and Sarah Bowen Shea share why their community of runners resonates with so many women across the country. (2:07)Some Runner’s World editors share their best survival tips for the treadmill, a necessary evil in the dog days of summer or when snow is piled up on the ground. (29:33)In the Kick, we wrap up the 2016 Olympics in Rio by going over the top moments, a running couple with an impressive win streak rebounds from their first runner-up finish in years, and how to keep your clothes so fresh and so clean. (39:36)Check out our show page here. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). 

Marathoner Meb Keflezghi shares his Olympic memories and how it feels to be running in his fourth Games at 41 years old. (2:05)We take you on the trail behind Runner’s World HQ for the lowdown on why speedwork really is worth the suffering. (25:45)In the Kick, highlights from track and field in Rio, a young runner who uses the sport to improve his life, and the cool way one cross-country team made training more fun. (38:50)Check out our show page here. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). 

Shalane Flanagan discusses how, after a super strong start to the Olympic Marathon Trials this past February, things unraveled—fast—and what she’s done to feel strong heading into the marathon at the Olympics in Rio. (2:33)Running legend Frank Shorter joins Editor-in-Chief David Willey for a conversation about his extraordinary career. They go deep on the most pivotal moments in his life, including his Olympic experiences, doping in the sport of running, and the tough childhood that is documented in his new book, My Marathon. (16:14)In the Kick, Apple to release a long-awaited emoji for its devices, an amazing teen runs a sub-4:00 mile, and a glimpse at the first weekend of running at the Olympics. (55:31)Check out our show page here. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). 

Alexi Pappas talks with reporter Kit Fox talks about her Olympic buildup has been anything but ordinary. Alexi also talks about why, as a Greek American, it’s so important to her to represent Greece in the Summer Games. (3:15) Show host and Editor-in-Chief David Willey talks with journalist David Epstein about doping—how it’s affected the Olympics, how we got to this point, and what keeps him watching, still, despite the controversies. (28:50) In the Kick, we discuss what Rule 40 is and why Olympians think it doesn’t work; how a Saudi Arabian runner is making sports more visible for females in the country; and yet another (very impressive) beer mile world record.Check out our show page here.Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). 

Blayne Smith from Team Red, White & Blue discusses his combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, his difficulty returning to civilian life, and how running and Team RWB gave him back much of what he thought he'd lost. (1:45)   Christine then met up with the Lehigh Valley chapter of Team RWB for their Saturday morning run to learn how the group helps instill a sense of identity, purpose, and camaraderie in both veterans and civilians (to the tune of many car horns). (19:17)  This week in the Kick, Lauren Fleshman calls it a career, an Aussie father of three keeps his Olympic dreams alive, and we discuss the not so glamorous life of professional runners. (36:35) Check out our show page  here. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio).