THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

Dominic Schlueter

The Running Effect tells the best stories in running—and turns them into insight, inspiration, and tools to help competitive runners become greater.
Every week, host Dominic Schlueter sits down with the fastest, smartest, and most inspiring people in the sport—from Olympic medalists to breakthrough athletes—to unpack the stories, lessons, and mindset behind elite performance. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or looking to understand how greatness is built, The Running Effect will make you a deeper fan of the sport—and a better runner.

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743 episodes
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January 21 · 52 min
Delusional Confidence, Real Results: George Couttie on Belief, Pressure, and Becoming Elite + Insights From Training With Cole Hocker
One of Britain’s fastest rising stars is here and he’s no slouch. His name is George Couttie, and he’s a 3:55 miler who is shaking up U.S. collegiate running. George competed for Great Britain English Schools in high school and was the cross-country champion during his time there. He was a U20 National 1500m champion. He currently owns personal bests of 3:36.40 in the 1500m, 13:58.32 in the 5000m, 7:36.74 in the 3000m, 3:55.44 in the mile, and 1:51 in the 800m. In 2024, he was the runner-up in the U20 race at the 2024 European Cross Country Championships, while also finishing 14th at the NCAA XC Championships. Prior to that, he spent a year at the Division 2 level at the University of Charleston, before making the move to train under the guidance of Ben Thomas, the well-known coach of Cole Hocker. In 2025, he finished 10th in the NCAA Division 1 XC Championships with an impressive time of 28:47 in the 10,000m. In December, he ran 7:36.74 in the indoor 3000m at BU. From rapid PBs to elite competition, George’s story is just heating up. Trust us, you’ll want to follow what comes next. Tap into the George Couttie Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
January 19 · 45 min
“PBs Don’t Matter. Winning Does.” Marco Langon On Pressure, Confidence, And Why He Wants To Destroy Everyone
Marco Langon wants all the smoke, and he isn’t hiding from a soul. The last time Marco was here, he was already one of the best distance runners in the NCAA. Since then? He’s leveled up. Marco went out and ran 13:05 for 5,000 meters in December, breaking Villanova’s school record and becoming one of the five fastest collegiate indoor 5000m runners in history. He came in second in a thrilling race, being edged out by Habtom Samuel (the 2025 XC Champion) by 0.0004 seconds. His quotes and energy post-race continue to make him a welcome figure in the sport. He’s not quiet and he’s not afraid to show his emotions. As a collegiate athlete, he stacked All-American finishes across cross country, indoor, and outdoor track, and quietly established himself as one of the most consistent high-end performers in the sport. He’s also Diadora's inaugural NIL partner in the track and field space, donning their gear as he bears his heart and soul on the track and grass.His PRs include the 13:05.21 indoor 5000m showing, 7:36.87 in the 3000m, and 3:54.59 in the mile, and 3:33.38 in the 1500m. What makes Marco Langon so compelling right now isn’t just the times, it’s the trajectory, and it’s the energy and panache with which he’s doing it. He’s great for the sport, and he’s back on the show to break it all down. Tap into the Marco Langon Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
January 17 · 34 min
The Next Jakob Ingebrigtsen—But Better? How 16-Year-Old Sam Ruthe Did the Unthinkable & Keeps Setting Records
Is Sam Ruthe the most exciting teenage runner in the world right now? He may be, and when you look at the numbers, your jaw will drop. He is a New Zealand prodigy who became the youngest person in the world to break the four-minute mile barrier, at the ripe old age of 15 in March of 2025 (he ran a 3:58.35). For reference, Jakob Ingebrigtsen did it at 16. In December of 2025, He set a New Zealand under-20 record in his 5000m debut, running 13:40.48. He also won the New Zealand senior men’s 3000m national championship with a time of 7:56.18, in the process becoming the youngest men’schampion in New Zealand athletics history. It doesn’t stop there: he ran a 1500m PR of 3:39.17 in July, lowering his own national under-17 and under-18 1500m records. The went and smashed it again in the 800 and 1500m, with times of 1:46.81 and 3:38.62. Recently, in January, he set an all-time world best for a 16 year old in the 1000m with a time of 2:17.82. He’s got world best times at 1000m, national records across distances, and a sub-4-minute mile before age 16. This isn’tjust hype, it’s history. Sam Ruthe is here to break it all down. Tap into the Sam Ruthe Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
January 15 · 34 min
From Not Making Nationals to NXN Runner-Up in One Season | The Yohanes Van Meerten Story
Every few years, a high school runner comes along who forces the entire country to look toward one place. This fall, that place was Flagstaff, Arizona, and the runner was Yohanes Van Meerten. Yohanes is a prominent high school distance runner from Flagstaff High School in Arizona, who just finished an outstanding junior season. We’re not kidding when we say outstanding: he was the runner up at Nike Cross Nationals, the highest finish ever for an Arizona athlete at the meet. He also won the Arizona state championship, setting an overall course record and becoming the first runner in state history to run a 5,000m race in under 15 minutes. He set a course record at the Mt. Sac Invitational, running three miles in 14:10.10. His outdoor PRs include 4:26 in the mile, 9:14 in the 3200m, and 14:28 in the 5,000m. Yohanes was born in Ethiopia and adopted into the U.S. at age one. His story is unique as he emerged as one of the top national high school runners during his junior year, following the impressive 14:28 performance in the 5000m at Nike Outdoor Nationals last spring. He’s Arizona’s fastest. He’s one of the nation’s best. And he’s just getting started. Yohanes is here and ready to tell his story. Tap into the Yohanes Van Meerten Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
January 13 · 55 min
Coaching at the Highest Level: Robert Gary on Leading Olympians, NCAA Stars, and Athletes First / Leadership Over Medals: Robert Gary on Building One of the NCAA’s Most Respected Distance Programs
Robert Gary is an Olympian, a program builder for thousands of runners, and a coach who puts athletes first. A two-time Olympic steeplechaser (Atlanta 1996, Athens 2004), 11-time World Cross Country Team member, and Track & Field News Cross Country Runner of the Year, Gary now serves as the Director of Cross Country & Track & Field at Furman University, where he has built one of the most respected distance programs in the NCAA. Before arriving at Furman in 2012, Gary coached at Ohio State University and has played a significant role on the international stage, including serving as Head Men’s Coach for Team USA at the 2019 IAAF World Championships and leading the U.S. men to a silver medal at the 2013 World Cross Country Championships. While Gary’s personal performances are elite (7:52.62 for 3,000m, 8:19.26 in the steeplechase, and a 4:01.05 road mile), his impact as a coach may be even more impressive. Under his leadership, athletes and teams have achieved sustained success across cross country and track at the NCAA, national, and international levels. From racing in the Olympics in the steeplechase to leading Team USA and building one of the strongest distance programs in the country at Furman, Robert Gary has seen every level of the sport. Tap into the Coach Robert Gary Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
January 11 · 43 min
The 2026 Playbook Of Greatness: Why Long-Term Plans Fail, The Cost of Winning, and How to Build a Life That Actually Feels Good
In this episode, Dominic sits down with Alex Ostberg to distill the three biggest lessons from 2025 and set the framework for a better 2026. They unpack why you sometimes have to “throw out your long-term plans,” how to invest in preparedness without trying to predict the future, and why embracing voluntary struggle is the best training for the inevitable hardships life will bring. They also talk about a hard truth: you’ve already achieved goals you thought would make you happy — and why joy, fulfillment, and “a string of good days” matter more than chasing the next milestone.If you’re trying to make 2026 your breakthrough year in running, business, or life, this conversation will rewire how you think about goals, uncertainty, discipline, and what success actually costs. S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
January 9 · 51 min
From Viral Videos to Endurance Miles: How Anna Sitar Is Redefining Discipline and Growth
Most people see Anna Sitar as a creator. Fewer people know she’s quietly stacking endurance goals, like marathons, long training blocks, and now Ironman-level ambitions, to show what happens when you commit to something long enough for it to change how you think, work and live. Anna is a content creator and influencer known for her lifestyle vlogs, relatable content and warm and engaging personality. Her dynamic “I Don’t Want It” TikTok series has propelled her to incredible media heights; she has over 11 million followers on TikTik and over 1.5 million on Instagram. Anna is a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate from Western Michigan University. She moved to Los Angeles in 2019 to pursue her master’s, and it ultimately fueled her career as a content creator. Anna is the founder and creator of the A N X N A clothing brand, and has worked with companies like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Delta, Amazon and Google. She is also slowly building up her endurance athlete profile these past few years: she recently completed the New York City Marathon after running the Honolulu Marathon in 2024. According to recent activity, she is training for an ironman, working to become a more well-rounded long distance athlete. Because of that, Anna’s story is a reminder that running doesn’t have to be about times or podiums to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s just a place to test who you’re becoming next. Tap into the Anna Sitar Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
January 7 · 22 min
Built for Greatness: Marcelo Mantecon on Pressure, Records, and Chasing National Titles in High School
Marcelo Mantecon is Florida’s all-time 5,000m high school record holder, a Nike Indoor National Champion, and an NXN finalist. And he’s only a junior in high school. Marcelo joins the show after a soaring spring and fall season for Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami, Florida, that saw him cap it off with a 4th overall finish at the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) on December 6, 2025, with a time of 15:05. In September, he etched his name into the Florida High School Boys XC record book, running a 14:35.25 at the Southern Showcase in Huntsville, Alabama, becoming the fastest boy to do so at the distance in the state. He then took that even lower in October by running a 14:33 in the New World Fall Spectacular. As a sophomore last year, he was named Florida’s Gatorade 2024-25 Boys Cross Country Player of the Year. He won the 5000m National Title Indoors in March of 2025 as well. His PRs include 4:15.83 for the mile, 8:16.86 for the 3000m indoor, 8:49.78 for the 2 mile outdoor, 14:14.38 in the 5000m indoors, and 14:33 in the 5000m for XC. Records show you how fast he is. We’re here to dissect how he thinks; the discipline behind the breakthroughs, the pressure of carrying expectations, and what it takes to chase national greatness while still being a high school junior. Tap into the Marcelo Mantecon Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
January 5 · 1 hr 30 min
The 2026 Special With Life In Stride: Banter, Unheard Of Stories, Running Ins & Outs In 2026, & The Inside Scoop On Running A Top Podcast
TRE x LIS The crossover that you knew you needed going into 2026. This one is full of banter, hot takes, unheard of stories, and wisdom from a year of reflection. Don't miss the opportunity to have your next run fly by with the boys. Enjoy & gear up for a massive 2026. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and I'm rooting for you this year. S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Dec 29, 2025 · 46 min
What Happens When Two Generational Talents Grow Together? Ethan Strand & Parker Wolfe on Confidence, Competition, and the World Stage
Are we watching the rise of the greatest distance running teammate duo in history? Ethan Strand and Parker Wolfe are well on their way to grabbing that title, and their next stop is with Team USA for the World Cross Country Championships. Parker recently won his first professional national title at the 10,000m XC championship in December; Ethan won the 2,000m in electric fashion. Both runners are from the University of North Carolina and now run professionally for the Swoosh Track Club under coach Mike Smith. Ethan is the NCAA Men's Indoor 3000m record holder, having run a 7:30.15 back in 2024; his mile PR is also a sizzling 3:48.32. Parker won the 2024 5,000m Outdoor NCAA Championship, and ran his impressive 29:16 at the Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland recently to secure first in a competitive USATF championship field. Parker has PRs of 3:48 in the mile on the road, 3:34 in the 1500m, and 13:10 in the 5,000m. The boys are back to show how elite confidence is built, how teammates become rivals, and how records are meant to be broken. Tap into the Parker Wolfe/Ethan Strand Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
Dec 27, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
How Elite Programs Stay Elite: Kelly Christensen on Building a Back-to-Back National Champion
Anyone can catch lightning in a bottle once. Kelly Christensen is proving that he can repeat success over and over, as he just won back-to-back national high school cross country titles at NXN, and is clearly on the Mount Rushmore of high school distance coaches. The Niwot boys cross country team just won a second consecutive national title on December 6 in Oregon. Their 61 points set a record for the best team score ever recorded at Nike Cross Nationals, which began in 2004. The boys were led by Quinn Sullivan (5th with a time of 15:09), Hunter Robbie (6th), Ryder Keeton (33rd), Jude Ritzenhein (40th), and Gabe Marshall (60th). The girls team came in second. Heading into this season, Coach Kelly had guided the Cougars to 12 total state championships. You can add to that number after another dominating season this year. He recently was recognized on a national level by being named MileSplit's Coach of the Month in November 2025 for his program's continued excellence. If you want to understand how elite programs stay elite, Kelly Christensen is back on the Running Effect. No fluff or preamble: he’s opening up about another dominant and historic season for the Niwot Cougars. Tap into the Coach Kelly Christensen Strand Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
Dec 23, 2025 · 1 hr
Dr. Bill Evans On What Supplements ACTUALLY Work, Why Scientifically Anyone Can Become An Olympian, And Other Phenomena Of Sports Science
There’s evidence-based training, and then there’s actually understanding the evidence. Dr. Bill Evans is here to explain how exercise physiology, 80–20 training, and smart periodization translates into real performance gains for runners at every level. Dr. Evans has his PhD in Exercise Physiology and is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science. He has experience as a Senior Scientist/Consultant at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. He also serves as an Assistant Cross Country Coach at the collegiate level with Elon University, giving him practical coaching experience with competitive runners. Dr. Evans is the founder/co-lead coach of The Endurance Lab, a personalized running coaching service focused on evidence-based training tailored to individual goals. His lab also integrates strength training and injury-prevention work into the mix to really give athletes a full-spectrum model. Dr. Evans never competed at the collegiate level because of a back injury, but has an impressive portfolio nonetheless: he owns PRs of 1:57 in the 800m, 3:58 in the 1500m, and 15:21 in the 5,000m. He also recently ran a 2:37 marathon. From the lab to the track to the marathon start line, Dr. Bill Evans lives the science he teaches. His insights will change how you think about training, and how you train going forward. Tap into the Dr. Bill Evans Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
Dec 21, 2025 · 46 min
Alex Ostberg on Why Cooldowns Are Overrated, Why Not All Miles Are Equal, and the Psychology of Winning
-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs What if the habits you’re most proud of, like discipline, the mileage, and the wins, are quietly working against you? Alex Ostberg returns to the show to sit down with Dominic and unpack the ideas behind his four most recent Substack essays, each challenging a deeply held assumption in running and high performance. They tackle the popular mantra “the way you do one thing is the way you do all things.” Alex argues that greatness isn’t about equal intensity everywhere, but intentional trade-offs, seasonal focus, and knowing what deserves obsession. From there, they discuss training load and why not all miles are created equal. Alex explains why injury risk is less about total mileage and more about how that load is built. The guys then take aim at a sacred post-workout ritual in Cooldowns Are Overrated. He reframes recovery around what actually matters most: refueling, rehydration, nervous system reset, and social decompression, rather than mindless extra miles on tired legs. Then they talk about the psychology of success in When Winning Stops Feeling Good, exploring why anticipation often feels better than achievement, and how rising expectations can quietly drain joy from performance. If you want to train smarter, think deeper, and understand the real costs (and rewards) of chasing excellence, this episode will change how you run, recover, and define success. Tap into the Alex Ostberg Rundown Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
Dec 19, 2025 · 50 min
From Humble Beginnings Running Barefoot in Kenya to Winning the New York and Boston Marathons: The Rise of Sharon Lokedi
TWO WEEKS OF FREE WITH CODE "RUNEFFECT" : https://kaizen.app.link/TRE Sharon Lokedi set a Boston Marathon course record, ran a 65-minute half marathon, and stepped foot on another NYC Marathon podium. She didn’t just have a good year in 2025, she had the kind of season that rewrites expectations for the future of women’s distance running, and her 2:17:22 course record at Boston can attest to this. Sharon’s most recent success came at the New York City Marathon, where she came in second place with a time of 2:20:07; this was her third career podium finish at NYC, as she won the whole thing in 2022 during an impressive marathon breakout performance. The year 2025 also saw her win the NYC Half Marathon in an event record time, and then set a PR in the 13.1 distance with a 1:05:00 at the Copenhagen Half. She came in an impressive 4th place in the marathon during the 2024 Olympic Games in France, running a 2:23:14. Prior to that she was a stalwart in the collegiate ranks while running at Kansas, winning the 10,000m at the 2018 NCAA Outdoor Championships. After a Boston course record and a world-class season, she’s stepping into the next chapter with more clarity, more confidence, and more momentum than ever before. Sharon Lokedi’s story is unfolding in real time, and we are here to witness it. Tap into the Sharon Lokedi Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
Dec 17, 2025 · 32 min
The Science Behind the Glycerin Flex: Brooks’ Director of Product Reveals How Great Shoes Are Really Made
The holidays are in full swing, and we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most anticipated running-shoe launches of the year. The brand-new Brooks Glycerin Flex is here, and we have Nikhil Jain, Director of Product Line Management at Brooks Running–and the mind helping steer innovation behind the brand–joining us to break it all down. The Glycerin Flex is an all-new, highly cushioned running shoe debuting in early 2026 that offers a smoother, more flexible ride compared to the standard Glycerin. Nikhil Jain himself brings unmatched insight into the art and science of building world-class running shoes. From line planning to forecasting; from creative problem-solving to leading teams that shape what millions of runners feel underfoot; he offers a rare look into Brooks’ product engine. Whether you’re a shoe nerd, a data-driven athlete, or just curious about what makes the Glycerin Flex so different, this is required listening. If you’re interested in delving into the experience of the future of cushioning in running straight from the source, this is the place to be. Tap into the Nikhil Jain Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
Dec 15, 2025 · 53 min
Professional Chef & Hybrid Athlete: Dan Churchill on the Nutrition Habits of World-Class Performers
TWO WEEKS OF FREE WITH CODE "RUNEFFECT" : https://kaizen.app.link/TRE Dan Churchill has cooked for Lindsey Vonn at the Olympics, run five World Marathon Majors, survived Leadville 100, and built companies that fuse food, data, and performance. He isn’t just a chef, he’s a hybrid athlete rewriting what ‘fueling’ really means. He is self-effacing and humorous, whowants to help athletes cook better to optimize performance in their given area. Dan was on Series 5 of Master Chef, he self-published his first cook book before he ever stepped foot on Gordon Ramsey’s show, has a Masters in Exercise Science, has appeared on Good Morning America and The Food Network, and has his own restaurant in NYC: The Osprey, in Brooklyn. His newsletter is a terrific source for those looking to improve their food intake and ramp up their physical performance.He also hosts his own podcast, Epic Table, where he chats with guests about health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and much more. He also recently won an age group HYROX in Dallas, and has run a 3:05 marathon (Boston in 2023), while completingLeadville in 2024. If you care about running, training, nutrition, or performing at your best, Dan Churchill is the blueprint. His career shows that you can chase big goals, build meaningful work, and still show up with joy every day. Tap into the Dan Churchill Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
Dec 12, 2025 · 26 min
From High School Phenom to National Champion: Inside Jackson Spencer’s Historic NXN Run
In a year packed with breakout stars, one name has refused to fade from the headlines: Jackson Spencer. Herriman High’s own just won the 2025 NXN Boys 5K championship with a time of 15:01.1, cementing himself as the top high school distance runner in the country and making a case to be in the mix with the best in the NCAA next year. In 2025, Jackson became the name every prep distance fan needed to know. The Utah standout, who is headed to BYU next year, had an impressive spring season, where he unleashed a 4:02.56 mile and 3:46.22 1500m at the HOKA Festival of Miles–performances that placed him among the fastest prep milers in the country. By late fall, Jackson was smashing the Woodward Park course record with a 14:16.9. Now, with an NXN title capping off a historic year, he stands at the edge of an entirely new chapter. The times, the records, the dominance–they’re all real. Whether you’re here for training insights, race breakdowns, or a front-row seat to the making of America’s next collegiate star, this episode delivers. Tap into the Jackson Spencer Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
Dec 10, 2025 · 52 min
Run Fast, Eat Slow: Elyse Kopecky On How Real Food And Cooking Can Transform Your Running
She built a real-food revolution. Now, she’s taking it global. Elyse Kopecky is back: writing, running, and leading a movement bigger than ever. She is the three-time New York Times bestselling co-author with Shalane Flanagan of Run Fast. Eat Slow., Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow., and Rise & Run. She is also a chef, speaker, and nutrition coach who studied at the Natural Gourmet Institute (a health-supportive culinary school). Elyse is a former UNC distance runner, turned lifelong runner and trail retreat leader. She created the Run Fast. Eat Slow. brand which includes cookbooks, online classes, and women’s trail running & culinary retreats. She previously landed a dream job in Nike Running marketing, while her college teammate Shalane Flanagan turned pro with Nike. From the outside, it was the perfect running-adjacent career. Elyse is here not just to reflect on a decade of bestselling books; she’s charting a powerful new path for runners everywhere. From her expanded role as a coach and educator to her trail retreats in Bend, Chamonix, and Zermatt, she’s proving that performance and joy can grow with time, not fade. Tap into the Elyse Kopecky Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
Dec 8, 2025 · 1 hr
How Josh Sambrook Cut His Marathon From 3:24 to 2:28 With a System That Breaks Every Rule in Running
TWO WEEKS OF FREE WITH CODE "RUNEFFECT" : https://kaizen.app.link/TRE Most training apps tell you exactly what to do every day. Josh Sambrook helped to build one that tells you your weekly target, and lets you train however your life demands. It’s the system that helped him run 120-mile weeks, cut his marathon time to 2:28 by age 23 (he ran his first marathon at 17), and reinvent how thousands of runners train. Josh and Michael Keskerides are the co-founders of the Kaizen app for runners. The app is a flexible and dynamic training system that sets a training load target at the start of the week, and then the user is free to achieve this goal through whatever combination of runs works best for their lifestyle. With the app and this training system, athletes can “trade” intensity for distance. Kaizen is the Japanese business principle of continuous improvement; discrete, ongoing, small changes can lead to significant benefits, and they used this as their model. The two co-founders host the Miles Better Podcast, where they discuss running and how they use the app for training. Josh himself is a sports scientist, builder of training systems and prediction engines, a running coach, writer, and podcaster–and he’s here to bring clarity to a sport drowning in noise. Tap into the Josh Sambrook Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
Dec 6, 2025 · 58 min
Elliott Cook on The Golden Era of NCAA, Surviving Setbacks, and Finding the Confidence to Break Through
We’re living in the golden era of NCAA middle distance running, and Elliott Cook is right in the center of it. Elliot is the NCAA Outdoor 1500m runner-up (3:39.57) from 2024, while also coming in 8th at the US Olympic Team trials that year, running a career best 3:33.84. His other PRs include a 3:55 mile and 1:45.26 in the 800m. In high school he was a four-time Ohio D1 Central District champion, a state indoor 1600m champion in 2020, and nabbed district titles in the 800m and 1600m; he also had a top-10 finish at Nike Cross Midwest. Now a senior at Oregon finishing up his last days as a collegiate runner, Elliot battled a hip injury throughout the winter, but was able to compete this spring and summer, where, in July he ran his 800m personal best. He competed at the US Olympic Trials again this past summer, running a strong 3:35.36 to finish fourth in his heat, but missed the finals in a stacked field. Elliott’s rise reminds us that progress doesn’t always announce itself, sometimes it builds quietly until the moment everything clicks. If you’re chasing something big, take a page from his story. Stay patient. Stay consistent. Your breakthrough might be closer than you think. Tap into the Elliot Cook Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz