

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

Jul 3, 2020 • 1h 1min
85. Kamilah Journet: Most things worth fighting for are uncomfortable
This episode is with Kamilah Journet.
Kamilah is an observer, runner and marketer in the outdoor industry.
In this episode we talked about:
-diversity in the running world
-setting boundaries with WFH life
-Black Lives Matter and learning about Kamilah’s voice
-getting uncomfortable
-analogies between running and life
-consistency
-using her voice in a powerful way
“Are you only a runner come race day?”
-her experience in the outdoor industry
-trail running and how inclusive and accepting it is
-running distance vs sprints, when the sprinters looked more like her
-her running in 2020 and doing whatever she wants
-why runners (and athletes) are uniquely equipped to handle societal change that takes a long time
Follow along with Kamilah’s journey at instagram.com/kamilahjournet
This episode is sponsored by Addaday. I’ve been loving their BioZoom, a portable, myoacial release device, essentially a massage therapy gun.
In these times when I’m not able to see my chiropractor for ART and other manual therapies, the BioZoom definitely hits the spot… pun intended of course.
BioZoom is designed to help with recovery and can target specific areas of the body in different ways with one of the five attachments designed for tissue specific treatments.
Quieter than the other therapy guns out there, I love using mine while sitting on the couch relaxing, or honestly, even while on a Zoom call.
You can get your own at Addaday.com and use the code FTLR15 to save 15% off.

Jun 30, 2020 • 57min
84. Coree Woltering: Be the Light ☀️🌈
This episode is with Coree Woltering, a professional trail runner who likes to run really far.
In this episode, we talked about:
-his 1200 mile Ice Age Trail FKT
-starting the FKT right around the time of the George Floyd protests
-deciding to continue his adventure to share something positive
-what he fueled with for 1200 miles spread out over 12-18 hour days on the trail
-what kept him going from a motivational standpoint
-choosing discomfort on the trails
-lessons from the trails that carry over into life
-his initial goals as a pro triathlete
-moving from triathlon into trail running while living in Boulder
-coming out when he was 25
-his experience as a professional athlete working with brands
-living in the flatlands and racing in the mountains
-and much more!
Follow along with Coree’s adventures at https://www.instagram.com/coreewoltering/ and https://coreewoltering.com.
This episode is brought to you by Forward Spine and Sport, a Boston based top spot for evidence informed sports injury and pain assessment, diagnosis and management.
I’ve been seeing Bryan Kent for two years now and recently he opened his own practice called Forward Spine and Sport with another chiropractor in the Boston area.
At Forward Sport and Spine, they use the right tool for the right job, not the same tool for every job. Every treatment is tailored to your specific needs and physiology utilizing hands on myofascial work and taping techniques, joint motion restoration, And the part that I’ve loved most is the specific rehab exercises, so that you can fix yourself.
Check them out at forwardspineandsport.com! If you’re not from the Boston area, their Instagram account is full of runner specific tips and guidance! instagram.com/forwardspineandsport

Jun 26, 2020 • 53min
83. Adam Merry: from 13.1 to 50k and beyond! 📈
This episode is with Adam Merry, an elite trail runner from Monterey, California.
In this episode, we talked about:
-Adam's entry into running which included his first half marathon and first 50k in rapid succession
-getting further into trail running
-the trail community
-diversity, or lack thereof in the trail world
-how to address this lack of diversity
-what it's like to be a mixed race man growing up in a mostly white community
-addressing difficult conversations head on
-use of social media for activism and engagement
-his professional background related to ocean conservation
-coaching by David Roche and what David has taught us
-love for the process and day to day
and much more!
Follow along with Adam's journey at www.instagram.com/amerryrunner

Jun 22, 2020 • 38min
82. Kelsey Bruce: Let's taco bout tacos (and running)
This episode is with Kelsey Bruce, an assistant coach at Dallas Baptist University and elite marathoner.
In this episode we talked about:
-her first run, a mile down the road as a three year old
-Let’s Run opportunity at the CC World Champs
-run coaching
-coaching and running the 800
-balance
-hunting and fishing with her dad
-tacos 🌮🌮🌮
-nutrition and recovery
-how her routine has changed in 2020
-solo running
-how faith plays a role in her running
-moving up in distance
-the Olympic Marathon Trials
-recovery and napping
-and much more!
Follow along with Kelsey’s adventures at https://twitter.com/2KelseyMae and https://www.instagram.com/kelseymae_2/

Jun 18, 2020 • 55min
81. Erin Fredrickson: “It’s fun because it’s hard”
This episode is with Erin Fredrickson. Erin’s a DO, MPH, and Raleigh Distance Project alumni (and co-founder), now living in Seattle, WA.
In this episode, we talked about:
-identity as a runner and more
-getting into healthcare in the time of coronavirus
-why she considers herself a leader
-Raleigh Distance Project and what it means to her
-what she learned from a time that might’ve otherwise been considered a failure
-moving during a global pandemic
-becoming a family physician during said pandemic
-the power of community
-“the marathon doesn’t owe you anything”
-and much more!
Follow along with Erin’s adventures at /www.instagram.com/eeclark3/ and https://twitter.com/eeclark3
The blog that she referenced can be found at https://raleighdistanceproject.org/blog/kym33hbh4wsnwcmcnxk8zhc3htks32

Jun 15, 2020 • 40min
80. Ellie Pell: Dedication + Time + Health = Progress
This episode is with Ellie Pell, a runner and cafe manager in Ithaca, NY.
This episode was recorded at the end of March 2020.
In this episode we talked about:
-a balanced approach to training leading to progress
-having fun in training
-qualifying for and racing in the Olympic Trials
-starting with running because it was “free therapy”
-pressing limits and seeing progress
-community
-running vs racing
-burnout
-running through the winter in upstate New York
-having a 3-5-10 year plan
-mental training and positive psychology
-mental health
Follow along with Ellie’s adventures at twitter.com/gazzellie and www.instagram.com/gazzellie/

Jun 12, 2020 • 1h 6min
79. Mary Johnson: "You don't have to work out, you choose to"
This episode is with Mary Johnson. Mary is a running coach, business owner, athlete, mom, insane. Her words.
In this episode, we talked about:
-Running for the joy of it
-Lift Run Perform
-a breaking three project with athletes she coached
-big scary goals
-coming back from pregnancy
-working with David Roche and SWAP
-effort based workouts vs time based workouts
-changing/swapping workouts with easy days or full rest
-Uncle Bob and racing ultras in the future
-signing up for a 100 miler????
-balance/shifting seasons
-being a coach, a mom, and a wife in addition to being an athlete
-her use of social media
Follow along with her adventures at instagram.com/itsamarython
This episode is sponsored by Addaday. I’ve been loving their BioZoom, a portable, myoacial release device, essentially a massage therapy gun.
In these times when I’m not able to see my chiropractor for ART and other manual therapies, the BioZoom definitely hits the spot… pun intended of course.
BioZoom is designed to help with recovery and can target specific areas of the body in different ways with one of the five attachments designed for tissue specific treatments.
Quieter than the other therapy guns out there, I love using mine while sitting on the couch relaxing, or honestly, even while on a Zoom call.
You can get your own at Addaday.com and use the code FTLR15 to save 15%.

Jun 2, 2020 • 52min
78. Emma Spencer: Growth through challenges and competition
This episode is with Emma Spencer, a runner and software engineer who lives in Durham, North Carolina.
This episode was recorded on May 29th, the fourth day of protesting in Minneapolis after George Floyd’s violent murder. Normally “just” a running podcast, we dove into this right off the bat.
In this episode we also talked about:
-how she got into running
-her prioritizing rest/recovery and how that has helped her over the years
-the parts of running that give her value, and what that value is
-intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation
-challenges with moving
-competition, comparison and validation
-North Carolina brewery scene
-her least favorite style of workout
-the 2020 Olympic Trials
-training in 2020
-and much more!
Follow along with Emma’s adventures at twitter.com/enspencer and instagram.com/enspencer

May 29, 2020 • 57min
77. Rochelle Basil: The silos will be chockablock!
This episode is with Rochelle Basil, a runner, coach and wife living in Boulder, Colorado, though she’s originally from New Zealand!
In this episode we talked about:
-pivots in life
-starting running again after a post collegiate break
-goal of breaking four in the marathon… and eventually running mid two hours
-coaching
-Lift Run Perform
-stoke level as a barometer of readiness
-setting goals
-another coach’s take on what to do without races on the calendar
-disassociation from the outcome leading to better performance
-another discussion on the Grand Canyon adventure 😅
-helping a group of women break three in the marathon at the Indy Monumental Marathon
-creating community, digitally
-meditation
-and so much more!
Follow along with Rochelle’s adventures at instagram.com/run.kiwi and twitter.com/sceats_tweets

May 22, 2020 • 58min
76. Scott Fauble: Remember to have FUN
This episode is with Scott Fauble, a professional runner in Flagstaff Arizona who trains with Hoka One One Northern Arizona Elite.
In this episode, we talked about:
-how he and the team is handling training in 2020
-virtual racing/time trialing
-a sense of community even while separated
-failure and success and not being defined by one or the other
-his evolving Why
-the importance of FUN
-mental health
-lessons learned from the 2020 Olympic Trials
-Top Gun (the GOAT of movies)
-his own podcast, and the struggles of podcasting in today’s era
-burritos, and what makes a perfect one for him
-who would play Scott in a movie
-support of sponsors as a pro athlete, and being involved with innovation
-much more!
Follow along with Scott’s adventures at instagram.com/sfaubs and twitter.com/scottfaubs
This episode is brought to you by The BOLDERBoulder, America’s All-Time Best 10K.
The BB, which normally takes place on Memorial Day each year, is keeping the tradition alive by hosting their VirtuALL Memorial Day 10K. Registration is free with the option to purchase limited edition gear, with a portion of the proceeds going to support Colorado's COVID-19 relief fund
Register for free and get more details at bolderboulder.com


