

For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running
Jonathan Levitt
Exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated. Running is a sport that has the power to unite us all and we are here to share conversations about how running has shaped the lives of people within our community, as well as how running has created community in itself.
From pro runners and Olympians to ultramarathoners running their first big race to business owners who use running to improve their entrepreneurial journey, we believe in creating community and expanding the running world for all.
Hosted by running enthusiast, Jonathan Levitt.
From pro runners and Olympians to ultramarathoners running their first big race to business owners who use running to improve their entrepreneurial journey, we believe in creating community and expanding the running world for all.
Hosted by running enthusiast, Jonathan Levitt.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 20, 2021 • 59min
144. Brianna Sacks: Ultra running and ultra reporting
Brianna Sacks is a runner and journalist for BuzzFeed living in Denver, Colorado.
In this episode we talked about:
-her reporting at BuzzFeed
-some of the national events she’s covered in the last year
-getting interested in running
-how we met, which is my favorite part about the trail community
-Rob Krar
-Justin Grunewald’s birthday run in November 2019
-donuts
-getting comfortable being uncomfortable
-getting over hurdles in her own body and being
-therapy and mental health
-her recent FKT
-and much more!

Feb 17, 2021 • 1h 3min
143. Chris Chavez: Goal chasing and storytelling
Chris Chavez is a writer for Sports Illustrated, a runner, and founder of Citius Mag.
In this episode, we talked about:
-podcasting
-his journey into journalism
-running for the Brooklyn Track Club
-his own running goals
-the evolving sponsorship model in running
-sports media
-how he got started with Citius Mag
-the Citius Mag podcast network and how he focuses on differentiation
-racing in 2021
-and much more!
Follow along with Chris’ journey at twitter.com/ChrisChavez!
Thanks again to Beam for sponsoring this episode of the podcast.
beam is a CBD company that’s making waves in the running world by offering products that combine THC-free CBD with other high-quality ingredients.
It was founded by two ex-professional athletes with the idea that everyone should have the chance to experience what better feels like. Whether you’re sore or stressed, beam is key for recovery and self-care.
Visit beamtlc.com and use the code FTLR for 15% off and let me know what you think.
I suggest the dream powder or focus capsules!

Feb 12, 2021 • 50min
142. Mikel Haggadone: How running intertwines with life
Mikel Haggadone is a runner, scientist (and immunologist), and one of the most positive voices out there in the running world.
In this episode, we talked about:
-how running intertwines with life
-what “you are enough?” means to him
-a breakdown of the piece he published in iRunFar
-self acceptance
-“you never feel different after you achieve something”
-why he runs long distances
-mental health and having bipolar disorder
-why he loves lifting people up
-and so much more
Follow along with Mikel’s journey at https://www.instagram.com/mikelhaggadone/
This podcast is brought to you by BOCO Gear, a Boulder based custom headwear company company named after Boulder, Colorado.
BOCO Gear was founded by kay Martin and born out of her learnings during her more than 25 year career in the outdoor industry.
If you’ve been running trail or ultra races for the last few years, there’s a pretty high chance you own a BOCO hat or two.
I have almost a dozen BOCO hats and they’re definitely my favorite headwear, and early in the pandemic they even started producing high quality face masks!
Check them out at BOCOgear.com and take 20% off with the code FTLR

Feb 8, 2021 • 1h
141. Dr Kirstin Lauritzen: High performance insights for all
Dr Kirstin Lauritzen is a chiropractor and human nutrition expert living in Portland, Oregon predominantly working with athletes.
In this episode, we talked about:
-her educational background
-high performance and how everything is intertwined
-looking at the body from a functional perspective
-her experience and goals as a triathlete
-the learnings from long training and racing/adventure days
-a deep dive into nutrition and the most common deficiencies
-how to use lab work to drive decision making on nutrition
-the importance of eating enough and sleep/stress management
-knowing your why
-and much more!
Follow along with Dr. Kirsten’s adventures at https://www.instagram.com/drkirstin
This podcast is brought to you by BOCO Gear, a Boulder based custom headwear company company named after Boulder, Colorado.
BOCO Gear was founded by kay Martin and born out of her learnings during her more than 25 year career in the outdoor industry.
If you’ve been running trail or ultra races for the last few years, there’s a pretty high chance you own a BOCO hat or two.
I have almost a dozen BOCO hats and they’re definitely my favorite headwear, and early in the pandemic they even started producing high quality face masks!
Check them out at BOCOgear.com and take 20% off with the code FTLR

Feb 3, 2021 • 1h 8min
140. Caroline Burckle: For The Long [Swim]
Caroline Burckle is an athlete who has swam at the Olympics, a mentor, and an ever changing and ever evolving human with about 1,000 interests and things she wants to embark on in her life.
In this one, we talked about:
-how we got connected (via Amelia Boone and taco socks)
-rest day brags
-the 2008 Olympics and her new journey from there
-failure
-RISE Athletes and mentorship
-internal validation
-what she considers success to be
-her legacy
-gratitude and her intentional practice
-running a business vs competing in the Olympics
-what she wishes people knew
-and SO much more
Follow along with Caroline’s adventures at instagram.com/caroburckle
This podcast is brought to you by BOCO Gear, a Boulder based custom headwear company company named after Boulder, Colorado.
BOCO Gear was founded by kay Martin and born out of her learnings during her more than 25 year career in the outdoor industry.
If you’ve been running trail or ultra races for the last few years, there’s a pretty high chance you own a BOCO hat or two.
I have almost a dozen of them and they’re definitely my favorite headwear. Early in the pandemic they even started producing high quality face masks!
Check them out at BOCOgear.com. There’s a style for everyone, and grab 20% off with the code FTLR.

Jan 29, 2021 • 55min
139. Kay Martin: Need drives innovation
Kay Martin is a runner and founder of BOCO Gear. She used to say she was a student of the industry and full of passion and all those other adjectives.
In this episode, we talked about:
-why she called herself a fake athlete
-her background in running and endurance
-getting into the outdoor industry
-being a female in a male dominated industry
-starting her own brand, BOCO Gear
-challenges in 2020
-innovation and pressure
-new lines of business that were unimaginable before
-what she knows know she wishes she knew back then
-goals for 10+ years out
-and much more!
This podcast is brought to you by BOCO Gear, a Boulder based custom headwear company company named after Boulder, Colorado.
BOCO Gear was founded by kay Martin and born out of her learnings during her more than 25 year career in the outdoor industry.
If you’ve been running trail or ultra races for the last few years, there’s a pretty high chance you own a BOCO hat or two.
I have almost a dozen BOCO hats and they’re definitely my favorite headwear, and early in the pandemic they even started producing high quality face masks!
Check them out at BOCOgear.com. There’s a style for everyone!

Jan 26, 2021 • 51min
138. Charlie Watson: Chasing Boston, from across the pond
Charlie Watson is a registered dietitian working in a hospital, a new dog owner, a runner, even though right now “I don’t really feel like one,” and world traveler.
In this episode we talked about:
-BBQ food vs a barbecue
-calling herself a runner vs not
-getting into running
-signing up for the London Marathon as her first race
-why the Boston Marathon is her North Star
-our shared passion from invitational/charity bib to BQ bib
-how she gets out the door in tough conditions
-being a dietitian in 2020/2021
-mental health
-balance
-podcasting/writing
-and much more!
Follow along with Charlie’s adventures at instagram.com/therunnerbeans

Jan 22, 2021 • 49min
137. Lauren Paquette: A Very Fun Job
Lauren Paquette is a southerner, new Flagstaff resident and professional elite distance runner with NAZ Elite.
In this episode, we talked about:
-her entry into running
-moving to a new city
-battling through four years of injuries
-motivation through the hard times
-not giving up
-getting to where she is today
-knowing cities better than the locals
-her dog
-very important team related information, such as Team Burrito or Team Quesadilla
-her experience so far with NAZ Elite
-what she wants to contribute
-lots of jokes
-the origin of her social handles
-and much more!
Follow along with Lauren’s adventures at https://www.instagram.com/hotpaquettes/

Jan 19, 2021 • 1h 2min
136. Emma Kertesz: Mood Boards and Marathons
Emma Kertez is a wearer of many hats as a runner, educational consultant, dog mom, seltzer connoisseur, and mood board curator.
In this episode, we talked about:
-training in Boulder
-her journey into elite running, with an OTQ marathon
-balance between “life” and running
-racing post collegiately
-racing in the Olympic Trials
-mental health
-using her social media platforms the way that she does
-taking time off from running in 2020
-LOTS of laughter
-and much more!
Follow along with Emma’s journey at https://www.instagram.com/em_kertesz
This podcast is brought to you by Access Nutrients.
If you routinely consume foods made from grains, beans, nuts, seeds, or soy, you may unknowingly be ingesting large amounts of phytate; an anti-nutrient that pulls zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium out of your body.
For anyone struggling with digestion, energy, sleep or micronutrient deficiencies like iron deficiency anemia, consider giving Access Nutrients a try.
This digestive enzyme will break down the phytate in your food, and give your body access to the micronutrients otherwise locked up and unavailable to you. They’ve already had incredible success with elite athletes struggling with iron absorption and energy.
Check out some of the incredible testimonials and research on their site to learn more at www.accessnutrients.org and use the code FTLR for 10% off your first order.

Jan 15, 2021 • 51min
135. Nathan Riech: A Paralympian on a mission to grow the movement
Nathan Riech is someone who really cares about the next generation. His relationship with running has evolved over the years, which we dove more into. He’s a Paralympic Athlete on a mission to help the next generation have better resources.
In this episode, we talked about:
-his brain injury and how it transformed him
-podcasting
-balance
-growing up in a family of elite athletes
-the Paralympic movement and what it means to him
-where he wants to be in 5-10 years
-enjoying each run for what it’s worth
-gratitude
-“loosening the reigns”
-what he wished people knew about him
-getting into ultras in the future
-and much more
Follow along with Nathan’s journey at instagram.com/nategraywolf
This podcast is brought to you by Access Nutrients.
If you routinely consume foods made from grains, beans, nuts, seeds, or soy, you may unknowingly be ingesting large amounts of phytate; an anti-nutrient that pulls zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium out of your body.
For anyone struggling with digestion, energy, sleep or micronutrient deficiencies like iron deficiency anemia, consider giving Access Nutrients a try.
This digestive enzyme will break down the phytate in your food, and give your body access to the micronutrients otherwise locked up and unavailable to you. They’ve already had incredible success with elite athletes struggling with iron absorption and energy.
Check out some of the incredible testimonials and research on their site to learn more at www.accessnutrients.org and use the code FTLR for 10% off your first order.


