

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

Apr 10, 2020 • 1h 9min
65. Danielle Snyder: Being Brave is Being Authentic
This episode's guest is Danielle Snyder.
Danielle is a licensed clinical social worker, wellness coach, running coach, an ultra runner, living in Portland, Oregon.
In this episode, we talked about:
-how Danielle knew (or didn't know!) she wanted to go into the mental health field
-managing normalcy during times like these
-how to handle a global pandemic like an ultra
-what she's learned as a runner that applies to today
-bravery and hope
-how to run when you know it will help but can't get out the door
-what her North Star and guiding light is currently, and then she flipped it around and asked what mine is!
-Bigger Than The Trail, an organization aimed at using trail running as a platform to advocate for mental health
-how a crisis can force us to make change
-and much more!
Follow along with Danielle's adventures at https://www.instagram.com/diellesmells and her website at https://innerdriveathlete.com/. You can reach out to her directly on Instagram or at daniellersnyder@gmail.com
Check out Bigger Than The Trail at https://bttt.run/

Apr 7, 2020 • 34min
64. Ben Bruce: Running with the Bruces
This episode's guest is Ben Bruce.
Ben is a coach, professional runner, father, husband, and much more. We recorded this episode back in Flagstaff in October, so it's free of any coronavirus talk!
In this episode, we did talk about:
-balance
-HOKA NAZ Elite and working with Ben Rosario
-coaching taking a bigger role
-how he's able to keep up with his own fitness
-racing a 2:26 marathon as a pacer while preparing for a 10k on the track
-his streak of USA Championships
-how his goals have shifted as part of #TeamBruce
-his wife Steph Bruce and how Ben is a major part of her training
-breaking down the 2019 Chicago Marathon
-training in Flagstaff and what it means to Ben
-focusing on the process
-what's ahead
and much more! Enjoy!
You can follow along with Ben's adventures at https://www.instagram.com/bbjamin15/ and https://twitter.com/bbjamin

Apr 2, 2020 • 52min
63. Ladia Albertson-Junkans: Running on Hope
This episode's guest is Ladia Albertson-Junkans.
Ladia works in health research, and is known for her incredible energy and positivity on the roads and trails.
This episode started off stronger than most, and we dove right into it. Ladia is a good friend and helped me through some of the hardest weeks of my life as I went through my first experience with loss.
We talked about that, and much more:
-running on Hope
-Gabe Grunewald and the relationship Ladia had (and still has) with Gabe
-Justin Grunewald and their relationship
-running Western States 2019 and what that was like
-running Boston 2019 and her incredible experience
-her growth as a runner
-experiences with loss, grief, and joy
-why pain can be gift and blessing in the presence of loss
-bravery
and so much more. I hope you enjoy this one. I sure did.

Mar 30, 2020 • 33min
62. Nick Klastava: Finding the joy again
This episode's guest is Nick Klastava! Nick is a dad, husband, coach, and runner who lives in Baltimore, MD.
In this episode, we talked about:
-running as a social activity
-taking a long break from running and getting back as an adult
-getting back to competitive running and racing
-doing workouts without splitting laps on his watch (and why!)
-SWAP Team and his relentless positivity
-mental health and therapy
-“toughness”
-goals going forward
-coaching with Lift Run Perform
And much more!
Follow along with Nick's adventures at https://twitter.com/nklastava and https://instagram.com/nklastava!
This episode is brought to you by @synchroknitbywigwam. SynchroKnit uses breakthrough technology creating a truly fitted sock that doesn't slip, and it enhances the performance of a running shoe... especially on the trails or when you’re climbing and descending. Go to synchroknit.com and enter in code LONGRUN25 to receive 25% off of your first order. I'm so excited to get out onto the trails with them soon!

Mar 27, 2020 • 51min
61. Jacob Puzey: Running, coaching, and home-schooling
This week's guest is Jacob Puzey. Jacob is an elite trail and ultra runner who lives in Alberta, Canada.
Jacob is a coach, a dad to six, race director, and more.
In this week's episode we talked about:
-the many hats he wears
-living and running in Alberta, Canada
-his entry into running
-the running community
-what RD's are dealing with during these times
-his background in education
-a dive into homeschooling and his tips for parents who are now working from home with school aged kids
-and much more!
You can follow Jacob's adventures at https://www.instagram.com/jacobpuzey/ and https://twitter.com/jacobpuzey, and his coaching group is called Peak Run Performance.
This week's podcast is sponsored by SynchroKnit, powered by Wigwam! SynchroKnit uses breakthrough technology creating a truly fitted sock that doesn't slip, and it enhances the performance of a running shoe. They're tight on the arch and heel which makes it feel snug. Go to synchroknit.com and enter in code LONGRUN25 to receive 25% off. I'll be wearing them this spring and you should too!

Mar 24, 2020 • 45min
60. Aliphine Tuliamuk: Running on Gratitude
This week's guest is Aliphine Tuliamuk. Aliphine is a professional runner on HOKA ONE ONE's Northern Arizona Elite, based in Flagstaff, Arizona.
In this episode (which was recorded before the announcement was made about postponing the Olympics), we talked about:
-racing (and winning) the Olympic Marathon Trials
-her roots and moving to the US after growing up in Kenya
-rest and recovery after one of the biggest races of her life
-uncertainty and her approach to moving forward
-Northern Arizona Elite and the team environment
-re-watching the Trials
-crocheting and keeping busy
-her favorite spots in Flagstaff
-gratitude
-consistency
-much more!
Follow along with Aliphine's adventures at https://www.instagram.com/aliphine and https://twitter.com/aliphinetuliamu
This week's podcast is sponsored by SynchroKnit, powered by Wigwam! SynchroKnit uses breakthrough technology creating a truly fitted sock that doesn't slip, and it enhances the performance of a running shoe. They're tight on the arch and heel which makes it feel snug. Go to synchroknit.com and enter in code LONGRUN25 to receive 25% off. I'll be wearing them this spring and you should too!

Mar 20, 2020 • 54min
Shalane Flanagan: Run Fast, Eat Slow
This week's guest is Shalane Flanagan.
Shalane is an Olympic Medalist and American Record holder, who is now a coach for the Bowerman Track Club in Portland, Oregon.
In this episode, we talked about:
-graduating from a pro runner to a pro coach
-running for the joy of it
-uncertainty in the weeks ahead and what runners can and should do
-gratitude
-the secret to successful running
-"stuffing the silo"
-"the joke's on them, I would've done this for free!"
-her excitement for what's ahead and paying it forward
-Run Fast, Eat Slow
-Running the Boston Marathon again some day... for fun!
-the running community
-her goals for the future
and much more!
You can follow Shalane's journey at https://www.instagram.com/shalaneflanagan/ and https://www.twitter.com/shalaneflanagan/, and you can find her cookbook co-authoried by Elyse Kopecky at https://runfasteatslow.com/
This week's podcast is sponsored by SynchroKnit, powered by Wigwam! SynchroKnit uses breakthrough technology creating a truly fitted sock that doesn't slip, and it enhances the performance of a running shoe. They're tight on the arch and heel which makes it feel snug. Go to synchroknit.com and enter in code LONGRUN25 to receive 25% off. I'll be wearing them this spring and you should too!

Mar 16, 2020 • 50min
58. Jen A Miller: "Running: A Love Story"
This week's episode is with Jen A Miller. Jen is a runner and freelance writer who lives in New Jersey.
Please note: The first few minutes of audio aren't great, but it gets better after that!
In this episode, we talked about:
-getting started as a writer
-her journey as a runner
-why she runs today
-therapy and mental health
-tips for people working from home who have never done so before
-balance
-rejection
-keeping it real
and much more!
You can follow along at https://twitter.com/byJenAMiller and https://jenamiller.com/

Mar 13, 2020 • 34min
57. Camelia Mayfield: Running Happy on the Roads, Trails and Trials
This week's episode is with Camelia Mayfield. Camelia is a trail and ultra runner who lives in Bend, Oregon.
In this episode, which we recorded the day before the Olympic Marathon Trials, we talked about:
-going from the trails to the road
-how she got started with ultrarunning
-mental health and what it means for her
-how she balances/juggles training, life, and work
-approaching a race
-how she uses nutrition to fuel her performance
-the US Olympic Marathon Trials
-much more!
Follow along at https://www.instagram.com/cameliamayfield and https://twitter.com/cameliamayfield

Mar 6, 2020 • 49min
56. YiOu Wang: From the Trails to the Trials
This week's episode is with YiOu Wang. YiOu is a trail and ultra runner who lives and trains in Northern California.
In this episode ahead of the Olympic Trials, we discussed:
-qualifying for the Trials due to a last minute race change
-training for the Trials as a trail runner
-lessons learned from the trails that carry over to the roads
-her "couch to Boston Marathon Qualifier" while living in Boston
-going up in distance beyond the marathon
-sponsorship and social media as a pro athlete
-"luck is when preparation meets opportunity"
-being process focused vs results oriented
-her travels
-and more!
Follow along at https://www.instagram.com/ywangruns/ and https://twitter.com/Magicsquid


