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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744 episodes
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Sep 15, 2025 · 51 min
Science You Can Use by Sunday: Jonah Rosner’s Step-by-Step Plan for Durability, Fueling, and Smarter Training Decisions
We’re going full scientist mode today, because Jonah Rosner is back on the show. If you don’t know Jonah, he’s the applied sport scientist who went from the Houston Texans to the streets of Brooklyn, translating lab data into PRs for everyday runners. He’s walked the talk—he ran 2:57:22 at the Chicago Marathon on October 13, 2024—and he’s been on a tear since on social media. He has unpacked what 99% of runners are missing, and then he dropped a durability framework with Stryd (plus a free 10-week plan) to help you fade less and finish stronger in races. In June he launched Brooklyn Running Company’s Beginner’s Pre-Run Fuel Playbook to make pre-run nutrition stupid-simple. Jonah continued breaking down exactly how he used caffeine to run 2:57, and expanded the fueling playbook with a Science in Sport piece on in-race carbs. If you coach, this is a blueprint you can deploy this week. If you’re building for a fall race, this is the clarity you’ve been hunting: what to measure, what to ignore and what to change by your next long run. Grab a notebook. By the end, you’ll have a simple checklist to move the ceiling on your performance—and a plan to chip away at it, session by session. Let’s get surgical about speed. Tap into the Jonah Rosner 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run
Sep 13, 2025 · 29 min
From Dorm-Room Vlogs to Full-Time Creator: Nico Felich on Goals vs. Worth, Sub-3 Marathon, and Filming Like an Athlete
Nico Felich is the kind of guy who’ll jog up to the mic fresh from a shakeout run, then drop a line that makes you want to sprint out the door and chase your life. In his first-ever podcast sit-down, Nico shares how a quiet college kid making dorm-life vlogs turned into a full-time creator inspiring tens of thousands to run. He’s here to talk about walking away from the 9–5 grind, keeping your passion intact when your sport becomes your job, and why goals should guide your path—not define your worth. From tiptoeing across the Knife Edge on Colorado’s Capitol Peak to grinding out 70–80 mile weeks in the lead-up to his first 50-miler, Nico is chasing longevity, better storytelling, and real joy in life. Our guy is a sub-3 marathoner, a BPN athlete, and someone who splits his time between Kansas City and Phoenix. He’s aiming for Jimmy Chin–level filmmaking (someone who can keep up with the athletes he films) and he wants you to catch the bug too. Tap into the Nico Felich 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 BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run 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
Sep 11, 2025 · 36 min
He Was “The Future” at 18—Here’s How He Actually Got There at 28: Consistency, Parents as Coaches, and a Purpose-First Reset
What does it mean to be a prodigy who has to start over? Drew Hunter knows. Once hailed as the future of American distance running (he was the high school phenom who turned pro at 18 instead of going to college), his path has been anything but straightforward. The early years brought headlines and expectations, but also injuries, setbacks, and the sobering reality that talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. After years of stop-and-start progress and searching for the right formula, Drew has redefined what it means to succeed in the sport. Now at 28, he’s racing better than ever. Based in Boulder, Colorado, training under his parents, coaches Joan & Marc Hunter, he’s shifted to a higher-mileage, consistency-first approach that has unlocked his best performances yet. Stepping away from Tinman Elite (the team he co-founded that helped change the way fans engage with professional running online) was another turning point, allowing him to focus less on hype and more on purpose, balance, and longevity. The results tell the story: a 1500m personal best of 3:33.41 in Los Angeles, a 10,000m best of 27:24.49 in California, a fourth-place finish at the USATF Outdoor 5000m, a gold medal at the NACAC 5000m Championships, and a podium at the Fifth Avenue Mile in New York City. And in true Drew Hunter fashion, his very first U.S. title came back in 2019 — out of the B heat indoors. Tap into the Drew Hunter 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Sep 9, 2025 · 51 min
234 Miles in 56 Hours – Kim Gottwald’s Unbreakable Mindset & Becoming The Future Of The Last Man Standing Event At Just 21 Years Old
Kim Gottwald is back on the pod, this time in person at BPN HQ in Texas. If you haven’t heard of Kim yet, you will. He’s making a name for himself in the ultra-endurance world, and he’s the founder of Rappid Runs. He co-won the Go One More Backyard Ultra at Bare Ranch, pushing 234 miles over 56 brutal loops before a storm shut it down. Kim is someone who offers raw honesty and dark humor. And he’s flipping the script on what an ultrarunner looks and sounds like, all while blowing up on TikTok. In this episode, we get tactical. Kim breaks down last-man-standing strategy, why Texas heat gives him an edge, how cold might be better for going deep, and what hour 50 of an ultra really feels like. We get into the gear that holds up, the super shoes and cooling vests, and where he draws the line with tech. He also unpacks why he believes HYROX work builds ultra durability, how he handles nutrition deep in a deficit, and what his BPN stack actually looks like. Berlin Marathon is up next, Last Soul Ultra is in October, and Kim is here to show how faith, discipline, and real connection are fueling his “don’t surrender” mission into 2026. In today's conversation, Tap into the Kim Gottwald 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Sep 7, 2025 · 1 hr
Bryan Poerner: Building a Rebellious Running Brand, Redefining Diadora, and Putting Community Before Scale
How do you build a running shoe brand that feels rebellious, authentic, and different in a market dominated by giants? For Bryan Poerner, President & CEO of Diadora USA, the answer lies in blending a punk-inspired do-it-yourself ethos with Italian craftsmanship and a deep respect for the running community. From his roots as a Division III steeplechaser to leading Diadora’s return to the U.S. performance market, Bryan’s journey has been anything but conventional. His path is marked by defining career highlights. In 1998–1999, he set the Stockton University steeplechase record (9:31.0) while completing his business degree. He then spent more than a decade at PUMA, rising from regional specialty sales to managing national accounts, before channeling his entrepreneurial side in 2007 to launch TRKFLD, a Philadelphia-based accessories brand. Under his leadership, Diadora has transformed from a heritage name with history into an edgy new player in the run-specialty world. In November 2023, he made national headlines by pushing profit-sharing as a model for the future of runspecialty. Rather than chasing mass-market share, Bryan and his team have doubled down on a “best, not biggest” philosophy that prioritizes authenticity and community over volume. Today, Diadora under his guidance represents not just a heritage brand reborn, but a bold challenger reshaping the future of running. In today's conversation, Bryan takes me deep into the process of helping to build Diadroa and his background in the sport in DIII. We dive into trying to build the next great running shoe company and how and why it's centered around performance. Tap into the Bryan Poerner 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Sep 5, 2025 · 48 min
The Year That Nearly Broke Him: Parker Wolfe on Pain, Patience, and the Process of Becoming Elite
The road to greatness rarely runs smoothly. For Parker Wolfe, the path has twisted through injury, disappointment, and resilience. Over the past year, the NCAA champion, Olympic Trials finalist, and now Nike pro has faced some of the toughest setbacks of his young career. Whether it’s a foot injury that threatened to derail his season, or the heartbreak of missing the Paris Olympics, he keeps finding ways to perform. After returning from a spring foot injury, Parker lined up at the 2025 U.S. Championships and finished 6th in the 5,000m (13:28.20). Months earlier, he defended his ACC 5k/10k double, setting a championship record of 13:13.49 in the 5,000m. His PRs—3:34 (1500m), 3:54 (mile), 7:30 (3k), and 13:10 (5k)—back up what the results already show: Parker Wolfe isn’t just surviving adversity, he’s thriving off it. Parker is here to open the book on his past year: the setbacks that nearly broke him, the mental battles behind the results, and the resilience it takes to chase greatness when nothing goes according to plan. This isn’t the story from the headlines. It’s the inside look at how setbacks don’t define champions—they refine them. In today's conversation, Parker walks me through the past year of adversity, opening the next chapter with NIKE and Coach Mike Smith, his ambtions for his future career, reflecting on his time at UNC, and more. Tap into the Parker Wolfe 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Sep 3, 2025 · 52 min
How to Get Recruited for College Running: A Masterclass on Recruiting and running at the next level from One of the NCAA’s Top Coaches Ian Mioni
Coach Ian Moini is not just building a strong running program at UNC, he’s building a pipeline of success. In just his mid-20s, Ian has gone from standout athlete to one of the youngest and most effective associate head coaches in NCAA distance running. Since his last appearance, North Carolina’s distance squad has leveled up in a big way: ACC titles, school records, and a national 5,000m championship led by Parker Wolfe. Behind all of that? Ian — shaping the training, the mindset, and most importantly, the culture. But here’s what makes Ian different: he’s a master recruiter. He knows what college coaches are looking for, because he isthe coach they’re trying to beat. His track record isn’t just about fast times, it’s about finding the right athletes, building trust, and helping them grow into something bigger than themselves. And he’s lived it from every angle. From winning New Jersey state titles in high school, to breaking 4:15 in the mile at UNC, to grinding as a volunteer coach while still a student at Eastern Michigan, Ian’s journey is all about work ethic, humility, and pushing people to unlock their full potential. A lot’s changed since he was last on, but one thing hasn’t: Ian sees the big picture. He knows that long-term success takes more than talent, it takes the right environment, the right support, and the right belief. If you’re serious about running in college, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. In today's conversation, Coach Ian Moini takes me deep into the world of how to get recruited to run at the next level, whether you're the top recruit in the nation or just someone who wants to run at the next level. We tackle every question in the book, common misconceptions, and inside stories from one of the best recruiters in the country. Tap into the Coach Ian Moini 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Sep 1, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Zack Telander on Discipline, Longevity, and Why He’s Running a Mile Or More Every Day With No Background In Running
Part coach, part storyteller, and part entertainer, Zack Telander shows that serious training doesn’t have to be boring—or stuck in one lane. A former Division I lacrosse player at the University of Vermont (2011–2013), Zack built his athletic base in a team sport before transitioning into Olympic weightlifting as both an athlete and coach. But recently, his followers have been watching a different kind of streak: he’s running a mile every single day—and documenting it on Instagram. (As of recording this, he’s on day 79.) What started as a personal challenge has become a running narrative (pun intended) on his feed, showing how a committed weightlifter can integrate daily running without losing strength or swagger. His posts blend mileage updates with reflections on training discipline, recovery, and mindset. On YouTube, where he has about 245K subscribers as of August 2025, Zack’s content mixes deep coaching insights, technical breakdowns, and the occasional cultural hot take—plus personality-driven pieces like his snatch session with Alec Blenis. Off-camera, he’s USAW Level 1 & 2 and NSCA-CSCS certified, with coaching stints at Texas A&M (Rugby S&C; Weightlifting Club) and experience training everyone from beginners to national-level lifters. We’ll dig into how his daily runs fit into a strength athlete’s world, how running and lifting can sharpen each other, and why Zack believes community and healthy skepticism are key to long-term athletic growth. In today's conversation, Zack dives deep into his running journey, thoughts on how runners can get the most out of their life and running pursuits, where he wants to take his running, his unorthodox beginnings in the sport, and so much more. This one is fun, but also deep. The perfect mix for your next run. Tap into the Zack Telander 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Aug 30, 2025 · 54 min
The Peak-Performance Blueprint: Taper Science, Beating Plateaus, and the Hidden Behaviors of Champions With Alex Ostberg
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs What does it really take to peak, push through plateaus, and build a championship culture? Alex Ostberg returns to unpack the latest four installments of The Run Down, beginning with “The Science of a Taper,” where the guys explore how dialing back training at just the right moment allows fatigue to fade while fitness shines through, unlocking peak performance when it matters most. From there, they dive into “When the Magic Fades,” a candid look at the moment every athlete experiences when the spark of progress dims. Alex examines why this happens, what it reveals about adaptation, and how runners can stay grounded through the inevitable plateaus. The discussion then turns to “The Hierarchy of Endurance Needs.” Like a pyramid, Alex outlines how consistency and aerobic development form the base, while intensity, specificity, and tapering build upward—offering athletes a clear framework for long-term success. Finally, they tackle “The Hidden Behaviors Behind Championship Teams,” highlighting the unseen habits—accountability, unselfishness, and shared standards—that turn groups of athletes into cultures of excellence. Alex continues to blend science, mindset, structure, and team dynamics in a succinct way, giving readers a rich look at the forces that shape endurance performance. 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Aug 28, 2025 · 32 min
From NCAA Bronze to 1:58 and Worlds: Maggi Congdon on Beating Olympic Medalists, Going Pro with Nike, and the Tokyo Gameplan
Maggi Congdon is blowing past expectations and Olympic medalists on her way to the world stage. In June, she grabbed NCAA bronze in 4:09.31. Just weeks later, she was dropping under two minutes in the 800, running 1:59.39 to earn silver at the USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene. Her run through the rounds in Eugene was just as electric. In the semifinals, Congdon clocked a lifetime best of 1:58.42, finishing ahead of Olympic medalist Raevyn Rogers and punching her ticket to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September. This trajectory checks out when you trace it back a bit: Growing up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Congdon was a multi-time state champion in the 800 and 1600. At Northern Arizona University, she found a program built for producing champions—and 2025 has become the year she’s turned potential into proof. In February, she stormed to a Husky Classic mile win in 4:27.77, rewriting the meet, school, and Big Sky record books. Months later, she stood on the NCAA podium in the 1500. With Tokyo on the horizon, Maggi isn’t just another name on the start list—she’s a serious medal contender with momentum that feels unstoppable. In today's conversation, Maggi walks me through this breakthrough at USAs, the blueprint that got her here, her relationship with Coach Mike Smith, going Pro with NIKE, and a glimpse into her future, her ambitions for Tokyo, and so much more. Tap into the Maggi Congdon 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Aug 26, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Colorado's Sean Carlson: The Championship Formula—Tough Leadership, Uncompromising Standards & How to Win at Every Level
Final Surge: https://www.finalsurge.com (RUNNINGEFFECT20) From Division III runner to one of the most respected coaches in the NCAA, Sean Carlson has never stopped leveling up. Heading into his second season as Director of Cross Country & Track and Field at the University of Colorado, his journey is a story of persistence, vision, and transformation. From his days as a Division III All-American at North Central College, he climbed the coaching ladder at Notre Dame, where he built a powerhouse: guiding Yared Nuguse to an NCAA title and record, leading a men’s team to a runner-up finish at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, and capturing a DMR national championship (2019 indoor) along the way. In 2022, Sean brought that same energy to Tennessee, where he led Dylan Jacobs to an NCAA 5,000m title and took the women’s team back to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2006 — finishing an incredible sixth place in the nation. And now, as of 2024, he’s at the helm of one of the sport’s most storied programs in Boulder. In just his first year, he’salready making an impact–with Colorado athletes setting school records, earning All-American honors, and bringing fresh momentum to a program with legendary tradition. We’re looking into Sean’s philosophy of athlete empowerment and culture-building, the challenges of navigating today’sNCAA landscape, and what excites him most as Colorado heads into his second cross-country season under his leadership. In today's conversation, Coach Sean Carlson takes me through his principles of success and winning, rebuilding programs, how to coach champions, his thoughts on the new NCAA, and how all of the recent changes will affect the sport, and so much more. This one is PACKED with value. Don't miss it. Tap into the Coach Sean Carlson 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Aug 24, 2025 · 55 min
The Hidden Blueprint of a Champion: Drew Bosley on Training, Coming Back From Adversity & Making His Dreams Come True By Going Pro With Nike
Undertrain now, dominate later. That philosophy–his dad’s choice to undertrain him in high school–turned a patient Wisconsin high schooler named Drew Bosley into one of the NCAA’s fiercest finishers. At Northern Arizona University, Bosley became an NCAA cross country podium finisher, broke the collegiate indoor 3000m record in 7:36.42 (which has since been broken), and stacked All-American honors across multiple distances. Along the way, he clocked personal bests of 3:39.32 in the 1500m, 3:59.34 in the mile, 13:13.26 indoors and 13:17.06 outdoors for 5000m, and a blazing 27:53.48 for 10,000m–times that placed him among the nation’s elite. His journey hasn’t been without turbulence. A quiet 2024 season tested his patience and resolve, but the comeback was worth the wait. Bosley stormed back in April 2025 with a 27:53.48 personal best at the Stanford Invitational and later placed 20th in the 10,000m at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Then he held his own against America’s best, placing seventh in the 10,000m at the USATF Outdoor Championship in Eugene. Now, Bosley is stepping onto the professional stage, signing with Nike’s Swoosh Track Club in Flagstaff under coach Mike Smith. Patience is a strange weapon in distance running. Drew Bosley turned it into a superpower. In today's conversation, Drew takes me through his adversity over the past few years, how he overcame it, the dream of signing with NIKE, his plans for his pro-career, lessons from being a part of NAU's domination, learning Bob Dylan on the guitar, and so much more. Tap into the Drew Bosley 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Aug 22, 2025 · 57 min
Inside the Mind of Graham Blanks: 12:48 5K, World Championship Bound, and Still Just Getting Started
He made history in college. Now he’s rewriting it on the world stage. From Ivy League dominance at Harvard to lighting up the Diamond League, Graham Blanks is one of America’sbrightest young stars in distance running. He was the first Ivy League male to ever win the NCAA Cross Country title — not once, but twice. In college, he set a then-NCAA indoor 5000m record of 13:03.78, ran 3:56.63 for the mile, and earned multiple All-American honors on the track and grass. Since turning professional with New Balance, his trajectory has only accelerated. In just the past six months alone, he’sclocked 7:29.72 for 3,000m, 26:57.30 for 10,000m, and 12:48.20 for 5,000m, cementing himself among the fastest Americans in history. Recently, he qualified for Team USA in the 10,000 meters for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo by placing 3rd at the USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene. Graham has impressed with his seamless shift from NCAA champion to world-class professional racer, inspiring runners everywhere to think bigger, train smarter, and run with purpose. In today's conversation, Graham takes me into his plans for Tokyo, qualifying for his first World Championship team, learning to give himself grace, preparing for World XC Championships in the US next year, inside training in Georgia, upcoming races, training insights, and more. Tap into the Graham Blanks 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Aug 20, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
The Mastermind Behind Parker Wolfe & Ethan Strand: Coach Chris Miltenberg on Building Champions and the Hidden Work Behind the Breakthroughs
Final Surge: https://www.finalsurge.com (RUNNINGEFFECT20) Coach Chris Miltenberg has built champions, broken records, and rebuilt entire programs. But his real gift? Preparing athletes for what comes next. Coach Milt returns to the show with a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most pivotal phases in any runner’s career: the leap from college to pro. As the architect of UNC’s rise, he’s been there every step of the way for Ethan Strand and Parker Wolfe, two of the brightest stars in American distance running. From NCAA titles to 3:48 miles to World Championship ambitions, their résumés speak for themselves. Most recently, Ethan lined up as a professional at Hayward Field for the U.S. Championships—clocking a 3:30.25 in the 1500 meters, securing second place and a spot on the U.S. team. Before UNC, Coach Milt built powerhouses at Georgetown (2011 NCAA XC champs, National Coach of the Year) and Stanford (NCAA podiums, Pac-12 titles, countless All-Americans). At UNC, he sparked a resurgence. He’s accrued ACC titles, NCAA top-5s…and in 2024, the school’s first men’s 5,000m national champion. Now, he’s doing what great coaches do best: helping his athletes level up, without losing who they are. It’s about more than running fast. It’s about stepping into the moment, and staying there. In today's conversation, Coach Milt tackles philosophical conversations around training, mindsight, building culture, dangers to the modern day runner like social-media, prioritizing fatherhood over certain opportunities and a large deep dive into the progressions of Ethan Strand and Parker Wolfe. Tap into the Coach Chris Miltenberg 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Aug 19, 2025 · 53 min
Adam Ludwin on the One Thing You’re Doing 20,000 Times a Day That’s Limiting Your Race Performance (and How to Fix It)
What if the way you breathe is holding you back? In this episode, we chat with Adam Ludwin, founder and CEO of FivePointFive, a science-backed breathwork app built for athletes and everyday high performers. Before launching FivePointFive, Adam scaled his first company, Captify Technologies, to 300 employees across 13 countries and led it to a 9-figure exit. But after facing personal burnout, he shifted focus: from chasing growth to rebuilding health. That turning point led him to the world of breathwork, where he trained under global expert Patrick McKeown and set out to build a tool that makes high-performance breathing accessible, measurable, and actually enjoyable. Adam breaks down why most people are breathing wrong without knowing it, how elite athletes train their breath like a muscle, and how 90 seconds of targeted breathing can shift your nervous system, boost sleep quality, and sharpen mental focus. He shares the vision behind FivePointFive: combining rhythm, music, visuals, and wearable tech data to personalize every breath. They also explore why breath is the next performance frontier—and how integrating it into sports, schools, and everyday life could change the way we train, recover, and live. Whether you're a runner, a coach, or just tired of waking up exhausted, this conversation will make you rethink something you do 20,000 times a day without noticing. In today's conversation, we dive deep into breathing, its effect on sleep, workout / race performance, his company FivePointFive, tips and tricks you can implement TODAY. This one is powerful. It's one of those podcasts where you listen and you make immediate changes in your life. Tap into the Adam Ludwin 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Aug 17, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
The Man Behind the Boston Marathon: The President Of The BAA Jack Fleming on Legacy, Community & the Future of Running
Jack Fleming is more than just a figure in running history. He’s shaping its future. As President and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), Jack leads with a mission: make running accessible to everyone, all year round. After joining the B.A.A. in 1992, he’s worked nearly every role and now sets the course for a more inclusive, community-focused organization. That vision was clear at the recent Shoreline 5K at Carson Beach, a new, entirely B.A.A.-run event. Planned, managed, and executed solely by B.A.A. staff, this Thursday night race was designed with the community in mind. The event was all about participation. No cash prizes or age-group awards. Every finisher got a custom B.A.A.-adidas cap, a new kind of giveaway. This speaks to Jack’s leadership, that goes far beyond this one race. Under his watch, the 2024 Boston Marathon charity program raised a record $45.7 million, with a total philanthropic impact of $71.9 million. He was recently inducted into the Road Runners Club of America Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a sport leader. But Jack isn’t slowing down. He’s out running local races every week, focused on growing the sport, connecting with new runners, and making all B.A.A. events matter—on and off the course. In today's conversation, Tap into the Jack Fleming 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Aug 15, 2025 · 32 min
The Greatest High School Athlete Ever? Cooper Lutkenhaus on Running 1:42 In The 800m at 16 & Shocking the Track World By Becoming The Youngest Track Athlete To Ever Make A National Team & Set A U20 WR
Cooper Lutkenhaus isn't just the greatest high school athlete alive. He might be the greatest high school athlete ever. Most 16-year-old track stars are making noise at their state meet. Cooper Lutkenhaus is making history on the national stage—running 1:42 against the pros and smashing records. This comes after a 1:46.86 high school indoor 800m record at Millrose in addition to a 1:45.45 outdoor record at Nike Outdoor Nationals. In Eugene, at the USATF Championships, he didn't just survive the pressure of racing America's best. He crushed expectations, broke the World U18 record, and became the fourth-fastest American in history. That's not "promising." That's historic. And it puts Cooper in the conversation as the greatest high school athlete ever. We're looking to dig deep into how he found another gear in the final 120 meters, how he managed the demands of three rounds in two days, and what comes next as he prepares to represent Team USA at the World Championships in Tokyo. This isn't just a story about a teenager running fast—it's about a fearless performance on one of track & field's biggest stages, and a moment that redefines what's possible. Cooper Lutkenhaus didn't just run a race in Eugene. He announced himself to the world. Tap into the Cooper Lutkenhaus 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Aug 13, 2025 · 30 min
The Final Build: A Candid Conversation with Conner Mantz 9 Weeks Before His American Record Attempt At The 2025 Chicago Marathon
What do you do after running 2:05 at the Boston Marathon? If you’re Conner Mantz, you get back to work. The American half-marathon record holder (59:17 in Houston) and the fastest American ever on Boston’s storied marathon course (2:05:08) is locked in on Chicago this fall. Earlier in 2024, Conner made his Olympic debut in Paris, where he delivered a gutsy, top-10 finish in brutal conditions—proving he belongs on the biggest stage in the sport. Coached by Ed Eyestone and training at altitude in Provo, Utah, Conner is building toward another breakthrough. His summer block has been quietly brutal: long progressive runs that close near race pace, back-to-back workouts with tight recovery windows, and high-volume consistency that only a few can handle. Before turning pro in late 2021, Conner was one of the most dominant collegiate runners of his generation. At BYU, he won back-to-back NCAA cross country individual titles and helped lead the Cougars to national team glory in 2019. That grit, that consistency, and that team-first mindset still drive him today. His resume speaks for itself: he’s run 59:17 in the half marathon, 2:05:08 in the marathon (Boston 2025), 27:26 in the 10,000m on the road (Beach to Beacon 2025; Course Record), 13:11.48 in the 5,000m on the track, and 3:37.96 in the 1,500m on the track. This isn’t just about chasing the edge of human performance. It’s about building a career—not just off talent—but off intention, consistency, and belief. In today's conversation, Conner dives deep into his training and preparation for his American Record attempt at the Chicago Marathon on October 12th, 2025. Tap into the Conner Mantz 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Aug 11, 2025 · 50 min
Angelina Napoleon Just Made the World Championships at 20 Years Old—Now She’s Coming to Dominate U.S. Steeplechase and Become the Face of American Distance Running
Angelina Napoleon is 20, but she’s already shaking up the NCAA and U.S. elite running scene like a veteran. She is a World U20 medalist, NCAA runner-up, Olympic Trials finalist, and the owner of more national records than most people rack up in a lifetime. Let’s talk numbers: She ran 9:32 for the 3000m steeplechase this summer, a personal best that put her within a heartbeat of the Paris Olympic team. She still owns the U.S. high school record in the 2000m steeple, clocking 6:18 back in 2022. In the 1500? 4:10. The mile? 4:33. She’s got insane talent. But stats only scratch the surface. Angelina’s story is about way more than medals. Born and raised in Allegany, New York (and now training at NC State), she’s gone from self-taught hurdler to NCAA All-American and team leader. She’s fiercely honest about mental health, fueling struggles, and coming back from setbacks—using her platform to speak out for equity, mentorship, and real talk in women’s sports. From hosting “Mindful Miles” on Instagram to launching a nutrition series with her new NIL deal, Angelina is showing athletes that you can be both vulnerable and unstoppable. In today's conversation, Angelina walks me through this massive breakthrough performance, what goes into a breakthrough, the blueprint for her breakthrough, what it means to make a world championship team, why having a bleieving coach is so crucial, using missing the trials last year as motivation, and her dreams to break 9:00 in the steeple and be the face of the US in this event for the decade to come. Tap into the Angelina Napoleon 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 -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -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
Aug 9, 2025 · 39 min
A 4-Year Ban. No Sponsors. No Team. Shelby Houlihan Just Won Her 14th U.S. Title—and She’s Not Done Yet
Shelby Houlihan isn’t running from her past. She’s running straight into whatever comes next.With a late-race surge and her trademark finishing kick, Shelby captured the 5,000m U.S. title at Hayward Field. She proved it: she’s not done. Not even close.Just a few years ago, her career looked over. For an athlete at the height of her prime, it was a devastating blow. Before that, Houlihan had been the face of U.S. middle-distance running. She shattered American records in the 1500 meters (3:54.99) and 5000 meters (14:23.92), won 12 national titles, and finished just off the podium at the 2019 World Championships.Her rise had seemed unstoppable. Until it wasn’t.But Houlihan didn’t disappear. She trained in the shadows. And when the ban was lifted in January 2025, she wasted no time. First came a win in the 3000m at the Razorback Invitational. Then a silver medal at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing. Now, a stunning U.S. 5000m title in Eugene–her 13th national crown and her first major outdoor championship since her return.The race itself was tactical and tense. The early pace was slow, the field bunched. But with one lap to go, Houlihan made her move. Elise Cranny and Josette Andrews went with her, but it was Shelby who had the final gear. She closed her last 200 meters in 30.56 seconds and crossed the line in 15:13.61, a full step ahead of the competition.This was a statement. Proof that the years in exile haven't dulled her edge. That the fire hadn’t gone out.She’s still unsponsored, still training alone in Flagstaff, Arizona. But she’s qualified for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, where she plans to race the 5000m. And she’s doing it on her own terms — no excuses, no apologies.For Shelby Houlihan, this isn’t just a comeback, it’s a redemption story written on the track.In today's conversation, Shelby walks me through this remarkable performance, what silencing the naysayers means, why this US title means so much, inside the nerves, emotions, belief, and experiences of this race; her goals for Tokyo, and how much longer she plans on running for. This conversation is raw, honest, and an inside look at the peak of one of the greatest stories track and field has ever seen.Tap into the Shelby Houlihan 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-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: ⁠https://shop.therunningeffect.run⁠-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