Info

Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running

Running podcast to motivate & help runners of every level run their best. The RunnersConnect team of coaches, headed by your host Finn Melanson, share with you the best running information backed by research, science and experts.
RSS Feed Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running
2024
April
March
February
January


2023
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2014
September


2012
September


Categories

All Episodes
Archives
Categories
Now displaying: August, 2023
Aug 30, 2023

If you’re already pushing your physical training boundaries, it’s possible that adding visualization to your regimen can help you squeeze out that extra one or two percent on race day?

Well, it’s well-documented that most of the top athletes and runners in the world believe it helps.

So, today we’re going to be talking about all things visualization with one of the premier experts in the world, Dr. Jerry Lynch.

Dr. Lynch received his doctorate in psychology from Penn State University, and has done extensive post-doctoral work in the area of philosophy, comparative religions, leadership development and performance enhancement. 

He is the author of twelve books that focus on coaching, leadership, spirituality of sport, warrior spirit, peak performance, and sports psychology.

If you’ve got a race coming up this fall, you’ll love the practical tips you can use to better utilize visualization and take your mental game to the next level.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week’s show brought to you by:

AG 1

Ask yourself - do you get enough green veggies each day?

I'll admit, I don't. It's tough to fit all of those greens in with an active and busy lifestyle.
But getting in your fruits + veggies is SO crucial as a distance runner for recovery, digestion, and optimal performance.

That's where Athletic Greens is a gamechanger. One scoop has 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, green superfood blend, and more.

That means fewer stomach issues, more focus and energy throughout the day (because the workday matters just as much as the morning run), and overall ... just feeling healthier.

Look, if you're struggling to get those fruits + veggies in - or if you keep buying them but they always go bad in the fridge - Athletic Greens will make getting those micronutrients simple and delicious.

Get 5 BONUS travel packs and a year's supply of Vitamin D when you order at athleticgreens.com/rttt. Get yours now!

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.

Aug 25, 2023

Nailing your workouts is key to a successful training block but it can be hard to know which workouts are most effective for your specific running goals. If you want to know when and why to run different types of workouts leading up to your next goal race you’ll want to keep listening!

On today’s show, our team takes a deep dive on the benefits of some common workouts including specific examples of how they can fit in your training plan. This way, you’ll know exactly what training you need to take your running to the next level.

During this conversation, we’ll cover workout topics including:

  • The most important workout types for runners with specific examples
  • What unique training benefits you can expect from each workout
  • When to schedule different types of runs into your training
  • And everything else you need to get the most out of your workouts

We work hard to progress as runners so let's get into it with advice for getting the most out of those tough workouts.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week’s show brought to you by:

UCAN

If you’re looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN.

Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels. 

By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run.

All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance.

Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

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

Aug 23, 2023

Is there an optimal diet for runners? Are certain supplements more appropriate and effective for runners than others out there on the market? 

These are some of the bigger, intriguing questions that we runners face dialing in our nutrition strategies for training and racing.

Here today to break down and answers these questions head on is Richard Rosenfeld, a Distinguished Professor of Otolaryngology at the State University of NY in Brooklyn, with over 350 peer-reviewed medical publications, 8 years as editor-in-chief of a major medical journal, and board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine among other significant credentials.

Specifically, we address:

  • What is means to engage in “clean eating”
  • Differences, pros, and cons between various diets such as plant-based and low-carb, high fat
  • The pros and cons of regular animal versus plant-sourced protein intake
  • The benefits of certain supplements such as caffeine, creatine, and vitamin e 

There’s a lot of practical value in this conversation. Let’s get into it!

Connect, Comment, Community

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 the code run10 and you’ll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

Aug 18, 2023

If you’re a runner, chances are you’ve dealt with some form of running injury or know somebody who has. 

Whether you have specific training goals or simply love the act of putting one foot in front of the other, it can be extremely frustrating to have your progress derailed by an injury. 

As frustrating as it may be, these setbacks are incredibly common with studies showing up to 65% of runners will experience some kind of injury in a given year. 

But how amazing would it be if you could prevent injuries before they happen and avoid the never-ending cycle of going from one injury to the next? 

That’s exactly what we’ll be exploring in today’s episode as we dive into what you can do to build resilience against injury. We’re once again bringing on our expert coaches, this time to help you stay healthy and injury-free.

During today’s show you’ll learn about:

  • Why injuries happen
  • strategies to reduce your chances of becoming injured
  • How to tell an injury from a niggle 
  • And how to safely get back into training if you do find yourself injured 

We all know consistency is key to meeting your running goals. So if you’ve ever found yourself injured or simply want to improve your chances of staying healthy, this is the episode for you! 

Connect, Comment, Community

This week’s show brought to you by:

NuNee

Struggling with Runners Knee? NuNee is an innovative new product designed specifically to treat Runner’s Knee. In fact, independent clinical research has shown that NuNee helped 9 of 10 runners start running again, immediately, without knee pain.

Unlike other knee sleeves and supports that use compression, NuNee’s unique design relieves the pressure on your patella (knee cap), which provides immediate relief and aids your recovery.

To learn more head to runnersconnect.net/NuNee. And to make it easy, the discount code RTTT50 will automatically be applied so you’ll save 50%. Even better, they offer a full money-back guarantee if you don’t experience immediate relief.

Winter Running Retreat

Spots are filling up fast for our winter running retreat in Orlando, Florida February 1st through the 4th. 

It’s an awesome opportunity to get out of the cold for those that train in the northeast or midwest and the perfect training jumpstart for your big spring races like Boston, London and more.

Plus, this year will be extra special because our retreat will coincide with the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials being held in Orlando!

To see all the accommodations, prices, photos, schedule and all other details, head to runnersconnect.net/winter.

Aug 16, 2023

While we all start each training cycle rearing to go and extremely motivated for whatever training and life throws our way, the reality is we will all go through periods during training where we’re just not motivated.

As an example, I know with some of the record heat this summer, it’s just plain exhausting to always be battling even when you get your runs in before the sun is up.

There's no shortage of reasons we go through stints in our training when we just don’t feel motivated to get out the door.

So, on today’s show we’re talking with author Mackenzie Havey. Mackenzie published an awesome book called “Mindful Running” so today we’re going to learn from her…

  • How to overcome lack of motivation
  • Tips and tactics to relieve anxiety about performance
  • And the best ways to dispel negative thinking during training and racing

We’re going to get in-depth about all these issues and the simple things you can implement in your daily training to conquer them.

Connect, Comment, Community

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  and use the code run10 and you’ll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

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.

AG 1

Ask yourself - do you get enough green veggies each day?

I'll admit, I don't. It's tough to fit all of those greens in with an active and busy lifestyle.
But getting in your fruits + veggies is SO crucial as a distance runner for recovery, digestion, and optimal performance.

That's where Athletic Greens is a gamechanger. One scoop has 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, green superfood blend, and more.

That means fewer stomach issues, more focus and energy throughout the day (because the workday matters just as much as the morning run), and overall ... just feeling healthier.

Look, if you're struggling to get those fruits + veggies in - or if you keep buying them but they always go bad in the fridge - Athletic Greens will make getting those micronutrients simple and delicious.

Get 5 BONUS travel packs and a year's supply of Vitamin D when you order at athleticgreens.com/rttt. Get yours now!

Aug 11, 2023

It’s not uncommon to hear conflicting information when it comes to training, nutrition, shoes and more. 

There’s often a lot of misleading claims and it can be hard to tell what’s right and what might not be.

So, in today’s show, we’ll go over some common beliefs in the running world to help sort out which have merit when it comes to your training. 

We’re calling it truth vs myth and we’ll be using the latest research and science to help you make sense of what’s accurate and what’s not.

To make this distinction we’re once again turning to our expert group of RC coaches who will cover topics including:

  • Does more mileage make you a faster runner?
  • Can super shoes really increase efficiency?
  • Do you need to stretch before your runs?
  • Is it possible that smiling can increase running performance?
  • And many more popular claims

For tips on an effective pre-run warmup check out our RC article on Proper dynamic stretching routine for runners.

Video demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6rWCPZNHxQ

Connect, Comment, Community

This week’s show brought to you by:

NuNee

Struggling with Runners Knee? NuNee is an innovative new product designed specifically to treat Runner’s Knee. In fact, independent clinical research has shown that NuNee helped 9 of 10 runners start running again, immediately, without knee pain.

Unlike other knee sleeves and supports that use compression, NuNee’s unique design relieves the pressure on your patella (knee cap), which provides immediate relief and aids your recovery.

To learn more head to runnersconnect.net/NuNee. And to make it easy, the discount code RTTT50 will automatically be applied so you’ll save 50%. Even better, they offer a full money-back guarantee if you don’t experience immediate relief.

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

Aug 9, 2023

One of the most common setbacks in the running sphere is the onset of runner’s knee. Perhaps, it’s affected you at various points in the past, you’re currently suffering from it at this moment, or you’re worried that such an injury is right around the corner.

Do not worry! Joining us on the podcast today is Ben Shatto, a licensed Physical Therapist committed to helping proactive runners of all ages to understand how to safely self-treat and manage common musculoskeletal, neurological, and mobility related conditions in a timely manner so they can reach their optimal health.  

In this conversation dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and proactive avoidance of runner’s knee, we discuss:

  • the common symptoms of runner’s knee and how it’s differentiated from other knee injuries
  • specific risk factors that make certain athlete prone to developing this condition
  • whether there are scenarios where you can continue training through runner’s knee
  • specific exercises that can strengthen and stabilize the knee area to aid in recovery
  • the most effective treatment options for this condition 
  • the typical recovery timeline for runner’s knee

And more! Listen to this episode to get the low down on runner’s knee, what causes it, how it can be treated, and what you can do in training and lifestyle to reduce your risk for this injury and stay consistent with your running.

Connect, Comment, Community

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 the code run10 and you’ll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

 

Aug 4, 2023

Have you heard about our in-person running retreats, but can’t fit the travel, time off or budget to make it happen? Have been curious about going, but not sure exactly what they are or if it’s a good fit for you?

Well, in today’s podcast episode, Coach Jeff is going to detail his latest trip to Flagstaff, Arizona so you can get an inside look at what it’s really like. Plus, he’s going to discuss some of the lessons he personally took from the retreat.

You’ll learn…

  • Why you shouldn’t be afraid of altitude (and how to conquer it)
  • How to get over your fear of being slow or not “good enough”
  • Why lifting heavy is essential for Masters runners (even though most are scared of it)
  • Plus, more little lessons he learned throughout the long weekend.

This is really a unique inside look at our retreats and while I know most of you won’t be able to attend one of our retreats, we’re still eager to help you learn and get value from everything we do.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week’s show brought to you by:

UCAN
If you’re looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN.

Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels. 

By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run.

All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance.

Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

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%

Aug 2, 2023

If you’ve been a RunnersConnect fan for long enough, you know one of the main principles we believe in when it comes to marathon training is improving your body’s ability to burn fat as a fuel source while running, especially while at marathon pace.

So, how exactly do we do this and what does some of the latest research say?

The research in question revolves around the two concepts of Nutrition Periodization and Metabolic Efficiency Training. Together they increase the body's ability to use fat as fuel during exercise and thus optimize both body composition and performance. 

Joining us in this episode is Bob Seebohar, the creator of these two concepts. He’s going to help you learn…

  • What these two concepts are and why they are so critical to your running performance.
  • How to utilize them during your training and taper
  • And how tweak these concepts to improve body composition, and reduce GI issues

If you’re racing a fall half or full, this is a must listen!

Connect, Comment, Community

This week’s show brought to you by:

Qualia Mind from NeuroHacker

Tired of Morning Fatigue After Your Workouts?

Qualia Mind is a natural neurotropic designed to improve daily mental performance, especially if you’re a morning runner and struggle to focus at work after runs.

I noticed the difference in just days...to my focus, my mood, my memory and my willpower to GET. THINGS. DONE, especially on those days when morning training really has me feeling unmotivated. 

Go to neurohacker.com/RTTT for $100 OFF, and use code RTTT for an extra 15% off 

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.

 

1