RunnersConnect Run to the Top Podcast

If you’ve ever given up on running once, or twice, or maybe twenty times, then this is the episode for you. Pete Magill is my guest today and we’re talking about why it’s so easy to quit running, and how it’s just as easy to start back up again.  Pete is the author of the transformative book “The Born Again Runner”, and he breaks down key training techniques that will change the way you put together your runner’s body.  For Pete, running became his anchor, and he’s developed a strong and smart training regimen steeped in personal experience and gr [...]

Not many runners are able to have their spouses as their coaches, but as you may know, my husband and I are an exception to that rule.  Today we’re talking to Steve Picucci, who is the head cross-country and track and field coach at Moorehead State University in Kentucky. He also happens to be my husband, and he coaches me as well. Steve has an innate ability to understand what each individual runner needs when it matters. This is part of what makes him such a great coach. Here are some of the topics we’ll discuss today:

Running has been in the spotlight a lot in the past few weeks, and not for a positive reason. Because there have been some recent physical attacks on runners, it’s important to understand how to stay safe while running.  Do you know what to do if your life is in danger?  This information is important for men and women alike. Todd Williams, two-time Olympian and black-belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, is the founder of RunSaf [...]

We all know about power meters for cycling, but now there are power meters for running too. Today, Jim Vance the author of “Run with Power,” will explain what power meters are and how they can be used in training. Or, if you are new to running and are interested in how to obtain goals, Jim will speak about how a power meter can help you. Some of the topics that you’ll hear about include: Jim’s background as a [...]

Today we are talking to Ed Whitlock, who is 85 and still breaking running records.   Ed began his running career when he was 14. He continued running when he went to University, but took a break from running after he injured his achilles. Ed started running again when he was 40, breaking all sorts of running records up until today.   Some of the topics that you’ll hear about include:  

Hiring a coach to help train can get expensive, but today we are going to hear from Dirk Friel, the Founder and CEO of TrainingPeaks about why it’s a good idea to consider a coach.  Or, If you are an experienced runner and thinking about becoming a coach, Dirk has some great advice for you. Some of the topics that you’ll hear about include: Dirk’s background growing up with fitness. Dirks journey from chasing his d [...]

Today we are talking to a couple who have grown up together in their running careers.  They met in college, dated long-distance, got married, and are now the parents of two young children. This is in addition to having thriving running careers and keeping up with their coaching and their blog. Stephanie and Ben Bruce are the guests today, and this is a fantastic show for parents and non-parents alike, as they give a lot of great advice. They’re both down-to-earth and able to accept criticism, which they have had their fair share of, so we’ll talk about that.  [...]

Matt Long is the author of The Long Run. Some of you may already know his story: In short, he was hit by a bus, spent six weeks in a medically induced coma in the ICU, and was told that he would be lucky to walk with a cane.  Matt was extremely determined and never gave up when it came to getting back on his feet and back into his regular life.  [...]

Do you ever feel like you are holding yourself back? If so, you’re not alone! No matter how good a runner you are, it’s likely that you spend a lot of time convincing yourself that you’re not as good as you actually are. This is part of human nature. Today’s guest gives us some pointers on overcoming mental obstacles and getting ourselves to where we want and need to be in our running and in other areas of our lives. That guest is Scott Welle, a best-selling author, peak performance strategist, marathon runner, and founder of Outperform the Norm. He has a d [...]

Do you know how to properly fuel your body before, during and after a workout? As an athlete, you are probably aware of the importance of eating well, but do you know what that entails? Maybe you have trouble because you don’t like to cook, but at the same time, you don’t like to rely too heavily on packaged foods. Since your health is tied to what you eat, this is something that you need to know about.   Today’s guest is Matt Kadey. Matt is a dietitian, cyclist, nutrition and travel writer, and professional recipe developer. He is also the author of

There’s one topic that many female runners will need to consider at some point during their running careers, and that is pregnancy. Whether planned or unplanned, pregnancy can absolutely have a huge effect on your training and workouts. Many doctors will support a woman who is planning to run throughout her pregnancy (as long as it is safe for her in particular, of course!), so taking a nine-month hiatus is not often necessary.

On the Run to the Top podcast, I try to vary the types ofguests that we have. Today, I’m excited to be interviewing a professionalrunner. Phoebe Wright has a lot of accolades, but first and foremost, she’sdown to earth and simply wonderful to talk (and to listen) to. You’re sure toenjoy today’s episode. Phoebe is a Nike athlete and a five-time NCAA champion. Sheis currently training for the Olympic trials. She has a blog and hasparticipated in a great interview.  Some of the topics you’ll hear about include: ●     How Phoebe went from a mediocre high school runner toan NCAA champion.   ●

Today we are talking to a very inspirational guest.  Matt Long is the author of The Long Run. Some of you may already know his story: In short, he was hit by a bus, spent six weeks in a medically induced coma in the ICU, and was told that he would be lucky to walk with a cane. Matt was extremely determined and never gave up when it came to getting back on his feet and back into his regular life.  Astoundingly, he ran in the New York Marathon after fully recuperating from his terrible accident. Today’s podcast highlights his story of determination and how he managed to get back into shape after such a tremendous setback. Some of the topics we talk about include: Matt’s background prior to his accident. Details about what happened on that day in 2005. The factors that Matt credits for his success. How he has changed since the accident. What he’s been up to since running the New York Marathon. His favorite pre-workout routine, the best advice he’s ever received, and what you’ll always find on his feet while he runs in our Final Kick segment.Questions Matt is asked: 2:40: Can you share your running background prior to 2005? 5:50: Can you share what happened in 2005 for our listeners who don’t know the story of your accident? 9:40: Why do you think the psychological effects of your accident were worse than the physical effects? 12:15: Why do you think you survived the accident? 13:45: Do you think that part of the reason your body pulled through is because you had already put yourself through the tough training that came with running? 15:45: After the accident, when was the first time that you thought about running again? 18:30: How did you make it through those moments when your personality was different from your physical manifestation? 21:00: What physical things were you doing to prepare for surgeries and increase your strength? 22:30: Did you struggle with being dependent on others? 25:30: Can you share your journey from your recovery to running the marathon in 2008? 29:20: How did it feel to cross that finish line? 30:45: What was the significance of choosing the New York Marathon? 33:50: Did you get overwhelmed with the media attention you were getting? 36:55: Can you tell us about your book, The Long Run? 40:00: Do you ever go through periods where you slip back into an old mindset, or do you appreciate every run you do? 44:00: Can you tell us about the I Will Foundation? Quotes by Matt: “Running, for me, was always an accessory.... I ran to stay in shape for basketball.” “Me and the bicycle became one, and the rest is history.... The first thing I remember is being woken up six weeks later.” “One thing I’ve learned is how powerful the mind really is. I blacked out and lost memory.... When I got hit, my mind said that I didn’t need to remember the accident.” “I thought, why was I the guy who was hit by a 40,000-pound bus and lived, when they should be having a memorial for me? I just couldn’t get over that.” “I believe that I survived because surviving the accident would give people hope.” “The mental training for marathons and for Iron Man is what got me through the dark days.” “I took it day by day. I was still having setbacks and surgeries. What went on in my head and my daily routine was to prepare myself for my next surgery, to get as strong as I could so I could handle it.” “I didn’t have a problem asking for help. I had a problem with the little steps toward success and having my care team getting excited; they saw the big picture, but I had been doing six-minute miles [previously]. I should have taken and accepted the milestones.” “I did not want the bus to define me as a former runner.... Crossing that finish line was a thank-you to the doctors, the physical therapists, my mom and dad, my brothers and sisters and the fire department for not letting me quit.” “I knew that my story needed to be told, that people would get hope and inspiration from my story.” “My book is not one that will help you be a better ru

Do you ever struggle with exhaustion?  Whether you’re running or just going through the activities of daily life, there might be some issues that you’re dealing with that can make you feel “not quite right”. 

You already know the physical benefits of running, and if you run, you also know that there are countless emotional and mental benefits. From boosting creativity and productivity, to fostering a sense of organization, taking up running, particularly distance running, can impact your life profoundly. Today’s guest, Dr. Jason Karp, holds many running accolades, including having been the youngest collegiate coach at the age of 24. In addition, he holds three degrees in exercise physiology. Today he talks to us about his book, The Inner Runner. Some of the topics that you’ll hear discussed include: ●     Why Jason wrote his book, and what the process was like.