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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.
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Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running
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Now displaying: June, 2023
Jun 30, 2023

Today we’re back with more listener questions, but this time we’re switching up the format and introducing one of the newest members of our team, Cory Nagler.

Cory is coming on board as our podcast showrunner and today he and coach Jeff are going to answer the questions you’ve submitted to us over voicemail and through our social media channels.

Along the way, Coach Jeff is going to introduce you into who Cory is and what exactly his role at RunnersConnect will be.

They’re also going to cover topics such as…

  • Whether you still get the benefits from a long run or workout if you have to split it up
  • How to adapt heart rate zones for the heat
  • If strength training is as beneficial for marathon performance as it is shorter events like the 5k
  • And a few more.

If you have questions you’d like our coaches to answer on the podcast, you can head to runnersconnect.net/daily and submit them to us or send them to us on any of our social channels. 

Racing in hot weather? Use our exclusive Temperature Calculator to calculate exactly how much heat is impacting your race and workout times and to adjust your goal pace according to the weather outlook!

Connect, Comment, Community

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. 

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. 

Jun 28, 2023

How do you know which supplements are actually improving your performance on race day and which aren’t?

Well, you dig into the research. 

And, since I know all of you listening aren’t researchers at heart (or you just don’t have time to dig into everything) we’ve brought on one of the foremost experts in the world at analyzing research studies and applying them to actual training, Alex Hutchinson.

Hutchinson is a former physicist and national-class runner, and a National Magazine Award-winning science journalist. 

Alex will help us…

  • Look at the research on caffeine and how to best utilize it
  • The research on beetroot juice and how to practically implement
  • And explore if the hype of tart cherry juice has any evidence. 

With his "what does the evidence show" mantra, I think Alex is one of the best people to speak on the subject of what ergogenic aids are worth trying and which aren’t

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. 

Jun 23, 2023

A few months ago we shared a peek inside a week of training of an elite runner, our very own coach Alex Ostberg.

Based on your feedback, you really enjoyed seeing how an elite runner shares the same struggles, doubts, and challenges you do, even though they are running paces and times that seem out of this world.

Well, Coach Alex is back with another relatable glimpse inside a week of training of an elite runner.

Alex is currently building back from a setback in his training, which I know many of us have also experienced. He’ll share…

  • The mental and physical challenges of building back 
  • The mindset of shifting goals and races when things don’t go as planned
  • How he’s building his training to come back stronger.

This is a really great, in-depth look at the mindset and training of an elite runner in a situation all of us can understand and learn from.

Connect, Comment, Community

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 increase 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: 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

Jun 21, 2023

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:

  1. how running gait impacts overall running performance
  2. common mistakes or inefficiencies in running form
  3. specific drills or exercises that can help improve running form?
  4. how optimizing running form can improve performance and reduce the risk of injuries

Connect, Comment, Community

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.

Jun 16, 2023

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

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. 

Jun 14, 2023

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

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.

 

Jun 9, 2023

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

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

Jun 7, 2023


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

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.

Jun 2, 2023

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

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

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