Today’s episode is a true story of courage and resilience. Alison’s life was changed forever when she discovered two lumps on her neck in April of 2023 and later had these diagnosed as Non-Hodkins Lymphoma. Despite this news, she was so inspired to raise awareness and funding for another disease, motor neurone disease (MND), that she continued running and training throughout her chemo treatment. Alison finished her treatment last August and is now continuing her fundraising efforts while training forto complete her first ever marathon this May.
This is the story of an incredibly courageous and patient runner who has faced significant adversity but come out the other side determined to continue bettering herself and show other runners that you should never give up. You’ll hear all about how Alison won her fight against cancer, including topics such as:
Alison is a perfect example of how running can change lives for the better and she told us that she hopes this episode helps other runners going through similar experiences.
Donate to Alison’s fundraising page for Motor Neurone’s Disease Association
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.
Previnex Joint Health Plus
Joint Health Plus from Previnex is clinically proven to reduce joint pain, joint stiffness,and improve joint flexibility in 7-10 days.
In fact, it is clinically proven to be up to 5 times more beneficial than glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination.
I saw immediate results when I started using Joint Health Plus and that’s why I reached out to Previnex to see if we could put together an offer for you guys.
If you’re suffering from joint pain or simply want to get a jump start on protecting your joint health as you get older, head to runnersconnect.net/joint and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order.
Running biomechanics expert, Jay Dicharry, returns to the show to talk about the upcoming new edition (stay tuned) of his popular book “Running Rewired”. In this conversation, we talk about:
I found Jay to be a very interesting, engaging, and generously informative guest. Be sure to tune in, and if you’re interested in checking out the latest edition of Running Rewired, stay tuned for its release very soon!
This week’s show brought to you by:
Bace CBD
If you want to see just how much CBD can improve your recovery, now is the time to give it a try. Right now you can get half off the Discovery Pack, alongside a FREE sample of their balm. That’s 50% off, from $25 to just $12.50!
All you have to do is visit bacehealth.com/runnersconnect or enter the discount code RunnersConnect at checkout to pick up your Discovery Pack and prioritize your recovery today.
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.
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.
Running is an incredible sport with the power to change lives for the better. Unfortunately, it’s not as accessible as it can and should be. Despite being a relatively approachable sport with minimal equipment there are still systemic barriers that make it difficult for some to participate. Today, we’re tackling this issue head-on with a panel of diverse runners sharing their experiences in the sport and thoughts on how to make it more welcoming for all types of runners.
Our panel for this episode includes:
Not everyone feels welcome in the sport but this doesn’t have to be the case. This was an enlightening conversation that did not stray from difficult topics. We hope you enjoy listening and hopefully come away with some helpful tips to become an advocate for creating a more inclusive sport in your own communities.
Books and podcasts:
Running While Black: ebook and hardcover
Online resources:
Community groups and events:
Toronto Carnival Run: Information and registration
Black Runners of the GTA: Run Group
RunVermont Junior Milers: Coaching Group
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.
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.
If you’ve been tracking write ups in the media or public sentiment on all the message boards out there, then you know double threshold workouts are all the rage right now and given the moment we’re in, I thought it would be good to have RunnersConnect Head Coach Michael Hammond on the show to break everything down and help us determine whether it’s something this audience should consider for training purposes.
It’s a wide-ranging conversation with Michael, we cover a lot, but some of the specifics discussed include:
And much more! Coach Michael brings a lot of wisdom to this episode. If you’ve been curious given the increasing popularity of this topic, this episode is for you!
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 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. 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.
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!
As spring approaches, many runners are preparing for their first race of the season and may be wondering how to pace themselves in the race or during key workouts. Luckily, a properly crafted workout can be used to help estimate fitness for almost any distance.
Whether you’re hoping for a PR or just curious about what finishing time to expect, then these race predictor workouts can help you make an educated guess of future race performance. We’ll go through several of these workouts for many distances and explain how you can calculate your race time using paces from those runs. This will include answering questions such as:
If you have an upcoming race on the calendar or wonder how you would perform in one then you’ll want to tune in for an exciting conversation.
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 Joint Health Plus
Joint Health Plus from Previnex is clinically proven to reduce joint pain, joint stiffness,and improve joint flexibility in 7-10 days.
In fact, it is clinically proven to be up to 5 times more beneficial than glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination.
I saw immediate results when I started using Joint Health Plus and that’s why I reached out to Previnex to see if we could put together an offer for you guys.
If you’re suffering from joint pain or simply want to get a jump start on protecting your joint health as you get older, head to runnersconnect.net/joint and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order.
RunnersConnect Founder and CEO Jeff Gaudette returns to Run To The Top this time to chat on a variety of topics. Specifically, we discuss:
And much more! Tune in for an equally fun, engaging, and informative chat with our Founder!
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
On today’s show, we are talking with Kara Goucher author of “The Longest Race: Inside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping, and Deception on Nike’s Elite Running Team”, which chronicles her ascent from Olympic aspirations to the Nike Oregon Project, led by Alberto Salazar, where she unveils a culture of abuse and doping, shedding light on the shadows of elite running.
Goucher's resilience and advocacy, despite corporate complicity, ignited a call for reform in the sport, offering a powerful narrative of empowerment and action.
In this conversation, we talk about:
And more. I hope you tune in!
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.
Flagstaff Running 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.
Every racing distance comes with its own challenges, but in this episode the RC team is going to debate what race is the best test to crown the fittest runner on the planet. The winner of the 100m dash is typically given the title of fastest on the planet but we’re not going to let sprinters have all of the fun. You’ll hear our coaches each make their case for what they believe is the best test of fitness before we officially settle on a winner.
Distance runners are a special breed of athlete and it takes dedication to compete in the sport. That’s why we’re celebrating your hard work by discussing all of the strengths required to excel at every distance from the mile up to ultra-marathons.
Although every race has its unique challenges, there can only be one victor. In order to help answer what race is the best test of fitness we’ll cover topics including:
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.
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 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. 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.
A captivating chat with Fiona O'Keefe, a former coach at Runners Connect, about her remarkable journey to winning the US Olympic Trials marathon and earning a spot on the Paris Olympic team.
Her insights and experiences shed light on the dedication and balance required for elite-level training and competition.
🏃♀️ Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
- Balance and Recovery: The importance of balance, rest, and recovery in marathon training, from managing caffeine and alcohol intake to prioritizing 9 hours of sleep.
- Mental Engagement: Seeking outlets for mental disengagement and relaxation, while also staying engaged in activities beyond running, is crucial for maintaining focus and drive.
- Embracing Success and Growth: Fiona's journey underscores the value of recognizing personal progress, embracing strengths, and continually pursuing improvement, serving as an inspiration to both elite and amateur runners.
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.
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.