For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Will Bodewes is a generalist with a wealth of experience despite being only 24.  Will was a Division 1 cross country skier before starting his own  business, and he continues to explore his limits in endurance sports. In this episode we talk about: -the crossover between entrepreneurship and endurance sports -learning from failures -problem solving in business and sports -starting his own audio company: Spoke Sounds -growing up as a competitive skier -competing with yourself -choosing to endure and chasing limits -ultra challenges and sleep deprivation -being fuelled by curiosity -joy in the process of chasing goals -not being defined by results -doing epic endurance challenges as a child -mountain biking for days -using athletics to manage ADHD -finding groundedness and focus in sports Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith just released their spring collection, and as the seasons shift yet again, I’m proud to continue this partnership with them.  Tracksmith is a brand for committed runners like you and me. People who know that the best part of a busy day is squeezing in a workout. They offer products for training, racing, and rest days, which you know I’m a fan of, and create experiences that make running more rewarding, more connected, and more meaningful.  Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will receive free shipping, and 5% of your purchase amount will be donated to the Michael J Fox Foundation to help find a cure and support those living with Parkinsons.  This episode is also brought to you by Freedom Solar Power, the company I am using to go solar on my house.  When I first started looking into solar, I thought it would be a clunky and expensive process. Freedom Solar walked me through the economics of it, where if you choose financing, you can potentially be up $50 a month, every month, starting the day you turn your system on. With no downpayment required, solar not only ads value to your home and is great for the environment, but allows you to save money from day one. Freedom Solar operates in Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and Florida, but there are plenty of other great options nationwide. 

Holly Proulx is a super curious, adventurous learner who is between being a student and full-time worker. She highly driven, motivated and enjoys running. In this episode we talk about: -the intersection between the environment and athletics -being a newer runner -starting out in trail and ultra running -connection in nature and on the run -finding yourself through tragedy and trauma -addiction to progress and doing more -exploring limits with curiosity -valuing life and prioritizing -respecting sleep and nutrition -planning an FKT attempt on the Colorado trail -forging your own path -daring to try something new and not settling -Bravey and running through grief -fun with food and self-acceptance -role models -finding the positivity in your situation -using your skills for good Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith just released their thaw collection, and as the seasons shift yet again, I’m proud to continue this partnership with them.  Tracksmith is a brand for committed runners like you and me. People who know that the best part of a busy day is squeezing in a workout. They offer products for training, racing, and rest days, which you know I’m a fan of, and create experiences that make running more rewarding, more connected, and more meaningful.  Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will receive free shipping, and 5% of your purchase amount will be donated to the Michael J Fox Foundation to help find a cure and support those living with Parkinsons.  Thanks again to Goodr for supporting this episode. I have a few different styles and love them all. At $25 a pop, you can leave a pair in your car so that you’ll never be without some shades.  You can feel good about your purchase too, as 1% of goodr’s annual gross sales (not profits!) go directly to environmental nonprofits working towards making our world a better place.   If you’d like to support me and the show, treat yourself to a pair (or two or three) of Goodr and head over to Goodr.com/FTLR and get 15% off your entire order. That’s 15% off at g o o d r dot com slash FTLR. Your face will thank you.

Roberta Groner is a mother, nurse, and runner who loves to challenge herself in all aspects of life. In this episode we talk about: -getting into running for the challenges and friendships -shifting from high school miler to masters marathoner -rediscovering running in adulthood -crazy progressions later in life -balancing different hats -chasing World Records -playing the long game and loving the process -being a single mom -prioritizing family vs all in on running -consistent routines in running and life -“oh sh*t” moment when life happens -reaching new limits and setting personal bests as a masters runner -staying present and giving your best today -ultra running and new challenges -ultra training in cities without trail access -shifting mindsets and goals throughout life -mind games in tough moments -the closeness of the running community -taking risks and having no regrets -doing the hard right not the easy wrong Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit https://www.tracksmith.com/collections/for-the-long-run to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you

Henry Howard is a father, husband, runner, professional editor and writer, and running coach. In this episode we talk about: -getting into running in his 40s -from struggling to run 1 mile to finishing 26.2 -chasing adventures and challenges as we age -finding trail and ultra running -the allure of Western States Endurance Run -preparing for big challenges -building habits and making them automatic -consistency cause and effect -visualizing success -breaking free from goal times and numbers -focusing on the process and trying your best -buy in and trust in your coach and training -success is growing the sport and giving back -increasing representation in marathon and ultra running through coaching scholarships -sharing the journey and inspiring others -the role of coaching and community -Run Spirited Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you.

Back by popular demand, we celebrate Episode 200 with multiple time repeat guest, David Roche! David is a running coach, life-confidant, mentor and general tailwind for a bunch of people. In this episode we talk about: -being a tailwind -the why behind the podcast -key takeaways from the last 200 episodes -translating lessons from running into life -the weight of story telling -the future of For The Long Run -staying open to growth and curiosity -handling criticism and negative comments -not being afraid to be authentic and speak your truth -farting around and not taking life too seriously -removing pressure and expectation -coaching with unconditional support -hill strides -coach-athlete relationships and the human condition -more to life than running -choosing happiness and bringing energy -imposter syndrome -plus a lot of tangents and laughs! Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you!

Kelly Roberts, she/ her, is a 32 year old entrepreneur, YouTuber, podcaster, running coach and jokester. She is on a mission to help others ditch diet culture and finding community and fun. In this episode we talk about: -building community -running through grief and difficult emotions -overtraining, disordered eating and diet culture -Kelly’s first half marathon experience -running to overcome life’s obstacles -the love-hate relationship with running -learning about training and pacing -feeling accomplished and proud of your effort -the journey to qualifying for Boston (and failing) -achieving goals enjoying the process along the way -working through pre-defined limits and the stories we tell ourselves -more to running than the marathon -taking time off for mental health -the loneliness of injuries -the Badass Lady Gang and friendships beyond running -unpacking deep thoughts and inner demons -the human experience: similarities between elites and amateurs -dating and forming romantic relationships -body image resilience -sports bra squad and running representation at all sizes Thank you to Tracksmith and Goodr for sponsoring this episode! I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will contribute towards this donation! Goodr has the slickest shades around, for only $25 and $35. They don’t slip or bounce, and stay on my face way better than more expensive sunglasses.  If you’d like to support me and the show, treat yourself to a pair (or two or three) of Goodr and head over to Goodr.com and get 15% off your entire order with the code FTLR. That’s 15% off at goodr.com and code FTLR. Your face will thank you.

Courtney Frerichs is a perfectionist by nature, a professional runner for Nike Bowerman Track Club and Olympic silver medallist in the steeplechase. In this episode we talk about: -running for something bigger than yourself -being part of a team -keeping training fun -the importance of process and non-performance related goals -executing the present moment -consistency and staying healthy -reaching out and seeking professional help -normalizing therapy and mental work -dealing with pressure, perfectionism, panic and anxiety -mental growth preceding physical growth -addressing mental and physical injuries -specific mindset strategies to improve performance -belonging on the track -Courtney’s roller-coaster road to the 2021 Olympic Games -being your best self -taking risks and putting yourself out there -mental prehab: being proactive rather than reactive   -constantly being a work in progress -the importance of nutrition and taking care of yourself Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you. Episode cover photo: Cortney White

Dean Karnazes is a lifelong runner, author and explorer of all 7 continents. In this episode we talk about: -running through all different life stages -running being fate -magic in misery and struggle -finding ultra running in the 1990s -a 30 year evolution of trail and ultra running -racing to explore rather than to win -adventures on foot and around the world -300+ marathons, 48hours on a treadmill and more epic endurance feats -the mental hurdle and finding flow -staying engaged and taking in the scenery -being uncomfortable yet persisting -longevity and relevance in the running world -success being fulfilling potential -staying curious and moving forward -making a lasting impact on the world -being a better animal Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith released their fall collection, which was designed to  celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud  to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your  order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll  also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to  finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my  grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s  support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces,  and all orders that start from that page will contribute towards this  donation! Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own  running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who  got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running. In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and  your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I  got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and  tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward. Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited  free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you

Jimmy Picard is a husband and new father, PT, coach and runner. In this episode we talk about: -committing to running in high school -the D1 collegiate running experience -running hard every day vs taking easy days easy -training errors and common running mistakes -running injuries -falling out of love with running -becoming a PT -stepping away from running and getting into bike racing -losing the competitive running identity and finding joy again -addiction and obsession -injury diagnoses and misconceptions -treating patients with reassurance -the stories we tell ourselves around injuries -overcoming chronic injury cycles -getting runners back running -load management and training adaptations -strength training for runners -lifting heavy to build strength -redefine PT Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders that start from that page will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you

Eric is a former architect and current triathlete, in recovery from a traumatic brain injury. In this episode we talk about: -falling in love with triathlon -his career ending cycling accident -mental and physical trauma recovery -coping mechanisms -life after a traumatic brain injury -compensating for blind spots and memory loss -the importance of preparation and anticipation -loosing your job due to disability -hidden disabilities and suffering in silence -understanding, empathy and community -developing and practicing gratitude -unconditional support and karma -bringing awareness to brain injuries and mental health -success being relative and subjective Thank you to Tracksmith and Goodr for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith recently released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders that start from that page will contribute towards this donation!  Goodr has the slickest shades around, for only $25 and $35. They don’t slip or bounce, and stay on my face way better than more expensive sunglasses.  If you’d like to support me and the show, treat yourself to a pair (or two or three) of Goodr and head over to Goodr.com and get 15% off your entire order with the code FTLR. That’s 15% off at goodr.com and code FTLR. Your face will thank you.