To many of you, Abdi Abdirahman is a household name. He’s the first American distance runner to make five Olympic teams and the oldest American distance runner ever to make an Olympic team. The list of accomplishments goes on. A few years ago, he wrote a book called “Abdi’s World,” which chronicles his impressive career in running, and that's why I wanted to have him on the show. In this conversation, we discuss:
Like probably everyone else, I found Abdi to be equal parts generous, joyful, introspective, and excited in this conversation. I hope you take as much from it for your own running life as I did.
This week’s show brought to you by:
Fatty15
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.
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
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.
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.
In this edition of RC spotlight we hear from Frederich Hayem (Fred), a relatively new runner who has achieved rapid success since taking up the sport just over a year ago. He is the perfect example of how good training and learning from your mistakes is the best way to improve as an athlete.
He joined our coaching program with the goal of running his first marathon and crushed it, running a 3:29. Despite some injury and setbacks, he has taken several minutes off of his already impressive half marathon PR and as he moves into a new age group, he is only continuing to get faster. Fred attributes much of his success to consistent strength training and sticking to a plan without stressing about hitting mileage or paces exactly. To learn more about Fred’s story and growth as an athlete we’ll chat about topics including:
A lot of runners strive to get better quickly but Fred shows that you don’t need to rush the training process in order to see great results. If you are new to running or have been training for a while and want to get better you’re going to love this conversation.
This week’s show brought to you by:
MAS Iron
Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.
Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance.
The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize.
In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed.
But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance.
By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market.
In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%.
Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.
Flagstaff Retreat
Spots are starting to fill up fast for our 2024 summer running retreat in Flagstaff, AZ.
Our retreats are the perfect combination of spectacular running, hands-on coaching, informative and fun training lessons, and unforgettable memories with runners just like you!
Whether you’re looking for the chance to run along the grand canyon, experience some of the most picturesque trails in the US, or learn directly from our team of coaches and some of the foremost experts in strength, nutrition and biomechanics, our Flagstaff retreat is for you.
Now, keep in mind these retreats ARE NOT for elite runners. They are for runners like you who love running and just want to improve.
Most of our attendees are between 40 to 70 years young and range in ability from Boston Qualifiers to those who are just getting started.
To see all the accommodations, prices, photos, schedule and all other details, head to runnersconnect.net/flagstaff.
Joe Friel is a renowned endurance sports coach most notable for some of the elite triathlon and cycling athletes he’s worked with over the years. He’s also the author of a great book called the “Triathlete’s Training Bible” and he joins the show today to discuss some of the running-related themes in the newest edition.
In a wide-ranging conversation around mental readiness, physical readiness, and race-season planning you’ll get some excellent takeaways from topics like:
Joe is a wealth of training information. Give it a listen!
This week’s show brought to you by:
BiOptimizers
One of the best and easiest ways to improve the quality of your sleep is by getting enough MAGNESIUM.
Why? Because research shows that magnesium lowers cortisol levels, so you feel less stressed, and increases GABA levels which encourages relaxation at the cellular level, both of which help you enter and stay in a state of “deep sleep” for longer.
That’s why I recommend Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers. Unlike generic supplements, BiOptimizers “magnesium breakthrough” product contains all 7 unique forms of magnesium, which is critical for maximizing its effectiveness.
If you’re interested in seeing just how much magnesium can help your sleep, head to bioptimizers.com/runtothetop and use the code RUN10 to save 10% and get two special gifts.
LMNT
Maintaining electrolyte levels as you gear up for your big spring races is critical to your performance.
That’s why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. 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. To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this spring, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.
It can be trickey to tell the difference between a niggle and an injury but how you respond when something doesn’t feel quite right could be the difference between a PR and and DNF. Coach Hayley Munn joins us in this to show, bringing her educational background in physical therapy and years of coaching experience to help tell the difference between an injury and a niggle and explain what to do about each of them.
It can be really challenging sometimes for even the most experienced runners to make this distinction but there are some general guidelines you can follow to stay healthy and limit the chances of a niggle or injury derailing your training. To better understand these strategies we’re going to cover topics that include:
The Ultimate Guide to Injury Prevention
Resources for Managing Pain by Dr. Rachel Zoffneess
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 drinkag1.com/RTTT. Get yours now!
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.
In this episode of Run To The Top, sports dietitian Alex Larson delves into the intricacies of fueling for improved performance and body composition among endurance athletes, advocating for a flexible eating style.
Larson offers insights into post-race recovery, emphasizing the importance of timing and food group choices to optimize recovery windows. The discussion also touches upon the early signs and consequences of underfueling, highlighting the need for sustained nutritional support for athletes.
Addressing a common misconception, Larson explains how athletes can simultaneously enhance speed and achieve leanness, while also offering practical advice on balancing athletic aspirations with a hectic lifestyle.
Through nuanced guidance and expertise, this episode provides valuable insights for athletes seeking to optimize their nutrition and performance.
This week’s show brought to you by:
Lagoon
Changing your pillow to something customized to your sleep position, firmness, and one that can keep you cool can have a dramatic impact on your sleep quality.
When I switched to the Lagoon pillow, my average number of times waking dropped to 2 per night and my deep sleep increased by 45 minutes. I’ve noticed a huge difference in how I feel in the morning, often waking up 30 to 45 minutes before my alarm and not feeling tired.
If you want to see the dramatic effect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top. If you use the code TOP at checkout, you’ll save 15% off your purchase.
Timeline
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 Timeline nutrition, it has never been easier.
Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.
If you’re a runner, you probably already know you need to train to get faster but what about taking this to the next level with over 175 miles per week?
This is exactly the type of extreme training that went into Kelvin Kiptum’s world record setting marathon performance, where he ran 2:00:35 in Chicago this past fall.
In this episode we’ll take a closer look at Kiptum’s training and discuss whether everyday runners can employ some of the same strategies or if Kiptum’s radical approach to training is best reserved for the elites.
It takes an incredible amount of talent and dedication to make it to the professional level of marathon running. Most of us will never come close to holding the 5:36/mile pace Kiptum ran but this doesn’t mean you can’t learn a few things from these exceptional athletes.
Over the course of the show we’ll discuss what you might be able to take away from Kiptum’s success with topics including:
If you’ve ever wondered how professional runners train or whether you could have what it takes to train like an elite athlete, you’re going to love this conversation.
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.
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
In this episode of Run To The Top, we are joined by Steve Sashen, the Founder-CEO of Xero shoes. We discuss his journey from returning to running in his late forties to becoming a competitive sprinter and building a prominent shoe brand. Our conversation delves into the problems with modern running shoes, the advantages and disadvantages of super shoes, various biomechanical studies informing the athletic footwear industry, and the case for minimalist footwear and barefoot running. Takeaways from this episode include:
Steve is an engaging conversationalist with interesting views on shoe technology and the sport of running as a whole. You will enjoy this one.
This week’s show brought to you by:
BiOptimizers
One of the best and easiest ways to improve the quality of your sleep is by getting enough MAGNESIUM.
Why? Because research shows that magnesium lowers cortisol levels, so you feel less stressed, and increases GABA levels which encourages relaxation at the cellular level, both of which help you enter and stay in a state of “deep sleep” for longer.
That’s why I recommend Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers. Unlike generic supplements, BiOptimizers “magnesium breakthrough” product contains all 7 unique forms of magnesium, which is critical for maximizing its effectiveness.
If you’re interested in seeing just how much magnesium can help your sleep, head to bioptimizers.com/runtothetop and use the code RUN10 to save 10% and get two special gifts.
LMNT
Maintaining electrolyte levels as you gear up for your big spring races is critical to your performance.
That’s why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. 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. To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this spring, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.
In today’s episode, we’re bringing you a story from an incredible athlete who spent years of training to accomplish his goal of competing at the olympic marathon trials by running an OTQ time - and ultimately fell just short of that goal during his most recent attempt. This athlete happens to also be one of our own coaches here at RunnersConnect and his name is Ruairi Moynihan. Ruairi came so close to hitting the 2:18 standard back in 2022, running an impressive 2:21 marathon while training mostly for trail and ultra race distances. Most recently though, under the guidance of his coach - and former RunnersConnect coach - Dylan Belles, the two crafted more focused plan to chase the OTQ standard at the 2023 CIM marathon in December.
We brought Ruairi and Dylan on the show to recap how they approached training and then get their thoughts on what runners can do to learn from races that don’t go exactly as planned. Ruairi is an absolutely inspiring athlete who shares an honest story of failing to hit your dream goal that will be relatable to just about anyone listening. During this interview we discuss some lighthearted and more serious topics including:
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 drinkag1.com/RTTT. Get yours now!
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.