In the remote Arizona mountain town of Flagstaff more than half a century ago, a training ground for generations of legendary runners and a collegiate dynasty at Northern Arizona University were born. Authors Matt Baxter and Ron Mann capture the history of it all in their new book “Running Up The Mountain''. They join Run To The Top to reflect on some of the key insights from the story including:
- The benefits of altitude training and other environmental factors that shaped the birth and increasing success of the program
- Dealing with budget constraints to fund the team and how they overcame that adversity by emphasizing a culture of strong work ethic and total commitment
- How rivalries with other teams and athletes over the years positively field performance gains
- How the team has been able to maintain a humble, underdog-esque mentality even after establishing a reputation as one of the nation’s strongest programs
- The importance of leadership transitions for continued program success
- The experience and challenges of maintaining their team culture during the pandemic
For those curious about the history of NAU’s running program and what it’s like building a marquee running program from scratch, you will enjoy this conversation.
Connect, Comment, Community
- Running Up The Mountain (Book)
- 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:
Fatty15
The benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids are widely espoused, and rightfully so, in almost every healthy diet in the world. The problem is that Omega-3 supplements face a lot of issues. From going rancid quickly to cheap forms not being absorbed. But thanks to Fatty15, now there’s a better option.
Fatty15’s C15 omega-3 is made from a patented, oxidation-resistant form of pure C15 derived from plants. It’s vegan-friendly, free of flavors, fillers, allergens or preservatives. Plus, independent studies have shown is has 3x the healthy-aging cell benefits of omega-3 or fish oil and that it’s 3x better, broader, and safer than traditional omega-3.
C15 works in multiple ways: It repairs age-related damage to cells, protects them from future breakdown, and boosts mitochondrial energy output.
Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/RTTT and using code RTTT at checkout for an additional 15% off your first order.
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.
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.
Mitopure comes in powder form to mix into your favorite smoothie or softgels to make them easy to take.
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.
Welcome back to RC spotlight where we highlight amazing achievements from runners just like you. Today’s athlete proves that success in running comes in a variety of forms. On today’s show, we’ll hear from Catie Markesich, an athlete who isn’t afraid to carve her own path by prioritizing personal growth and happiness in the sport. This is the story of a runner who brings out the best in herself and others as she tackles challenging goals.
Catie competed in numerous marathons and ultra-marathons during 2023 with aspirations to do big things on the roads and on the trails in 2024. Despite some amazing accomplishments last year that included winning a marathon and completing a 105-mile race, Catie puts just as much time and effort into helping others accomplish their own goals.
She is an advocate for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sport at all levels and an overall great role model for others. In this episode Catie shares with us her running journey including the good, the bad, and the ugly with topics including:
- Turning personal struggles related to fueling and mental health into a catalyst for personal growth
- How Catie is taking action to make the running community a safer and more inclusive space
- Why helping others achieve their goals is important to Catie
- And we’ll chat about what other runners can learn from Catie’s focus on bettering herself beyond the scope of the sport
With that, let’s get into with our RC spotlight of Catie Markesich!
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:
MetPro
Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.
Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.
MetPro’s coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they’re empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.
Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt
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
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 drinkag1.com/RTTT. Get yours now!
It’s the New Year and that means aspirational thinking is in the air. Many of you might be wondering - how do you harness that mindset not just in the first days and weeks of the year, but throughout 2024? Well, metabolism expert and transformation specialist, Angelo Poli returns to the show to address just that. We talk about:
- goal setting around sports nutrition and everyday dieting
- understanding the levers for change in your diet and overall lifestyle to follow through on your ambitions
- new research in these areas that back up the latest protocols Angelo and his team use with their clients for nutritional breakthroughs
- the role of identity creation in hitting your nutritional targets
- and a list of the disruptive behaviors and lifestyle hacks that top coaches use with their clients to additionally help with follow-through
If you’ve made big goals for 2024, whether it’s nutritionally related or in some other context, and you’re looking for best practices on how to stay excited and disciplined for the long term, you will want to tune in!
Connect, Comment, Community
- Check Out MetPro
- 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!
- Movement Vault
This week’s show brought to you by:
LMNT Winter
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.
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.
Every runner knows the best workout is the one you actually do, but it can be hard to find time for consistently sticking with your training program.
Luckily, there are ways to improve your training without taking time away from other activities or even to cut down on the time required for your current workout routine.
Here’s our list of what you’ll learn
- Creative ways to make your runs more time-efficient
- Tips to make fueling your runs less of a chore
- Ways to combine some of your workout activities
And many other tips and tricks to cut down on training time
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:
MetPro
Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.
Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.
MetPro’s coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they’re empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.
Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt
Previnex Muscle Health Plus
Muscle Health PLUS combines clinically effective doses of creatine, HMB, BCAAs, and AstraGin to make the most comprehensive muscle health supplement available.
Together, these ingredients are clinically proven to decrease muscle breakdown, increase lean muscle mass, boost protein synthesis, enhance strength, improve body composition, and more!
I’m fanatical about my post-workout nutrition and I used to take all of these ingredients individually. Now I have the convenience of a single scoop to get them all…and at a cheaper price.
To check out the science for yourself, head to runnersconnect.net/muscle and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order.
Plus, they offer a 100% money back guarantee, no questions asked, if you don’t feel the benefits too.
When dealing with everyday pain and tightness in your body, life may not be as enjoyable as it could be, and this extends to running. You become more injury-prone, your performance suffers, and movement becomes less enjoyable. Above all, you may not be living up to your full potential.
If this resonates with your recent experiences, tune into this episode with Dr. Grayson Wickham, a Physical Therapy expert and founder of the Movement Vault. Dr. Wickham is on a mission to assist runners in moving better, performing better, reducing pain, and leading better lives. During this conversation, we explore various topics, including:
- The epidemic of back pain in the running community and why 99% of it is preventable.
- The importance of differentiating between static and active stretching. Active stretching is to joint maintenance what brushing your teeth is to tooth maintenance.
- How your choice of shoes may impact the health of your feet.
- Exploring whether sitting is the new smoking and providing actionable advice on what to do about it.
- Identifying the best times of day for active stretching and the top 5 stretches that runners should incorporate.
Moreover, if you believe there's room for improvement in your joint maintenance, range of motion, and physical durability during crucial training blocks, this episode is a must-listen.
Connect, Comment, Community
- Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram
- Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!
- Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community
- RunnersConnect Facebook page
- GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT!
- Movement Vault
This week’s show brought to you by:
Stress Guardian
Beat the stress of the holiday season with stress guardian from BiOptimizers. It’s packed with a blend of 14 adaptogenic herbs that help to regulate your stress response naturally. Learn more at stressguardian.com/runtothetop
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.
One of the most polarizing topics in running is the treadmill. Some love the comfort of running indoors while others find this machine boring or monotonous, giving it a nickname in the running community as the “dreadmill”. Wherever you stand on this debate, it can be a useful tool for training that provides consistency and control over your runs.
We’re right in the middle of winter right now and if you live in a cold climate, you’re almost certain to have days where cold and snow make running outside uncomfortable, or even unsafe. This applies to other climate as well like extreme heat or wind. On these days it can be extremely useful to make use of the treadmill. Even if you don’t own a treadmill, most gyms will have plenty of them and typically offer day-passes for those without a membership.
In today’s show, we’re going to hear from real runners like you with their best tips to keep treadmill running fun and make it a part of their running routine. We asked our RC audience to tell us how they make their treadmill runs more enjoyable and we got some great answers. Over the course of this episode we’ll cover:
- The benefits and drawbacks of treadmill running
- How real RC listeners use the treadmill in training, including their favourite workouts
- And we’ll hear from our audience about their best strategies for making treadmill running more fun
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:
MetPro
Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.
Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.
MetPro’s coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they’re empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.
Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt
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 drinkag1.com/RTTT. Get yours now!
The turn to the New Year is a great time to reflect back to lessons learned and look forward to what you hope to accomplish. In that vein, in today’s episode I’ll dive into…
- 2 important lessons I learned in 2023
- My goals for 2024
- Exciting updates coming from RC
- Some of my favorite episodes from 2023
Training for the marathon? Get training advice and prep tips from some of the best coaches and athletes we've interviewed over the last 11 years: https://linkmix.co/12431456
Speed, workouts, base training and more. Learn how to run your best 5k with this podcast playlist. https://linkmix.co/12448840
Training for your first ultra and want to learn from some of the best runners in the sport? https://linkmix.co/12448966
Getting your fueling right is a critical part of marathon success. Learn from some of the best nutritionist and coaches about how to plan your fueling on race day. https://linkmix.co/12449118
Weight loss is one of the most common nutrition goals we see with athletes we coach. This playlist contains nutritional and weight loss advice from some of the best coaches and nutritionists in the sport. https://linkmix.co/12449228
What if you could actually run your best past age 40? And get fitter and stronger? In this playlist we’ll go over the mental obstacles we face as masters runners, from perhaps not being able to reach our previous best times to wondering what’s our potential and overcoming the fear of injury. https://linkmix.co/12449557
Constantly suffering from injuries and can't seem to break the injury cycle? Here's some of the best advice we've accumulated over the years about how to stay healthy and stay on the roads and trails! https://linkmix.co/12449427
Enjoy these podcast playlists to keep you motivated as you kick off your New Year's training goals!
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 Winter
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.
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.
The winter season is officially here and while most people spend their time inside watching Netflix or curling up to a good book; many runners brave the elements to keep training through tough conditions. If you’re a runner looking to run year-round we’re here to help. In this episode of underrated or overrated, we’re covering winter training topics so you know what gear and training strategies will actually help you to get through the colder winter season.
Training in the wintertime can bring many unique challenges. In colder climates the cold and snowy weather means lots of extra layers and, depending on the conditions, some extra flexibility to find a safe running route. We thought we’d make it simpler to navigate these challenging conditions by answering winter training questions like:
- Does Goretex gear actually help to keep you warm and dry?
- Are mittens or gloves better for protecting your hands during colder runs?
- Should you run through a snowstorm?
- And many more winter training questions!
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:
MetPro
Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.
Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.
MetPro’s coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they’re empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.
Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt
Muscle Health Plus
We all know how important recovery is for our training and proper recovery always starts with nutrition. Simply put, you need to give your body the nutrients it needs to repair the damage done from the hard work you put in.
That’s where the newest product from Previnex comes in, Muscle Health Plus.
Muscle Health PLUS combines clinically effective doses of creatine, HMB, BCAAs, and AstraGin to make the most comprehensive muscle health supplement available.
Together, these ingredients are clinically proven to decrease muscle breakdown, increase lean muscle mass, boost protein synthesis, enhance strength, improve body composition, and more!
I’m fanatical about my post-workout nutrition and I used to take all of these ingredients individually. Now I have the convenience of a single scoop to get them all…and at a cheaper price.
To check out the science for yourself, head to runnersconnect.net/muscle and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order.
As we turn to 2024 many of us are starting to think about and plan our long-term goals.
That’s why this week’s podcast is about helping you plan for the year. You’ll learn…
- How to think about and plan big goals
- Finding the right races
- Planning your seasons
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.
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.