Running is essentially a series of one-legged hops repeated over and over again. The repetitive nature of running can exacerbate imbalances in any part of our body. While many mild asymmetries are normal and not necessarily cause for concern, others can make you more injury prone.
This week’s guest helps runners deal with all types of imbalances. Dr. Sarah Ceschin is a physical therapist from Boulder, Colorado, who I had the pleasure of meeting in person at a recent group run. Sarah works with a variety of athletes, particularly runners and climbers.
If you ever find yourself in need of a physical therapist, try to seek out one who is familiar with treating runners! As a runner herself, Sarah understands the demands of running and helps runners stay healthy and strong. As a physical therapist, she deals with athlete imbalances on a daily basis and is a tremendous resource to learn how to address them.
In our discussion, we dive deep into the topic of asymmetries and imbalances, including:
If you're looking to maximize your strength and durability, you'll enjoy my conversation with Sarah!
Links & Resources from the Show:
This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.
Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.
I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet. Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology.
If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.
What an amazing brand name! But they don’t just sound great, they make amazing nutrition products to help athletes like you optimize their diet, fuel smarter, and reach new heights in training. Their chocolate whey protein powder blows my mind - it’s the tastiest protein powder I’ve ever had. I mix it with almond milk and it’s just amazing how creamy and sweet it tastes.
Gnarly is a trusted supplier of nutrition products to athletes because all of their protein powders, pre-workout supplements, amino acids, and fuel are all NSF-certified. That means you can trust everything from Gnarly to be safe, clean, and free of any banned substances. They comply with strict standards and procedures during every stage of the product’s development, including unplanned on-site inspections, to ensure you know exactly what you’re putting in your body.
Fuel better and recover smarter so that you can do more of what you love: running. Go to gognarly.com and be sure to use code GNARLY20 to save 20% sitewide on your entire order.
Misconceptions and misunderstandings abound when it comes to running while pregnant and postpartum. With the research constantly evolving it can be tough to keep up, but patience in the recovery process will ultimately pay off in the long term.
Dr. Rachel Selman is a physical therapist based in Georgia who specializes in pregnant and postpartum athletes. She is also a mom and a runner.
Rachel is certified as both a Strength and Conditioning Specialist as well as a Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner. She is a wealth of information for new and expecting moms who are trying to figure out how their running will be affected by pregnancy and childbirth.
She talks in depth about what to expect during each of the trimesters of pregnancy, and the best way to help your body heal and get strong again after giving birth.
We discuss a number of important topics for pregnant and postpartum women, including:
If you're a new or expecting mom, you won't want to miss my conversation with Rachel.
Links & Resources from the Show:
This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.
Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.
I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet. Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology.
If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.
A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.
Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.
The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.
There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack.
Holley Samuel is a Registered Dietitian who also happens to be a Boston Marathon Qualifier. She has a Master’s in Health Education and is a Certified Personal Trainer, and also happens to own a cookie company. Clearly, she knows how to maintain a balance when eating for both joy and health!
Holley and I explore the ins and outs of marathon nutrition, including carb-loading before the race, your pre-race breakfast, mid-race fueling, and eating for recovery.
Holley and I tackle a wide variety of marathon nutrition questions:
No matter what your level of expertise, Holley shares her wisdom in a practical and accessible way for everyone.
Links & Resources from the Show:
This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.
Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.
I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet. Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology.
If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.
We’re also supported this week by REVEL Race Series. REVEL races are an incredibly fast, downhill, and scenic series of marathons and half marathons that take place in a variety of beautiful U.S. locations. Their next race takes runners from the canyons of the Wasatch Mountains to the foothills of Salt Lake City, Utah on September 10th for the 10-year anniversary of REVEL Big Cottonwood.
Featuring a speedy downhill course and amazing mountain views, this race will be sure to help you set your PR and finally hit that Boston Qualifying time as it is the fastest marathon and half marathon in the state of Utah. In fact, it has more than 5,200 feet of elevation loss that can help propel you to a shiny new PR!
REVEL in speed. REVEL in beauty. REVEL in Big Cottonwood. Register at REVEL. And don’t wait - there’s a price increase on July 13th so I hope you take advantage of that and the benefits of running with gravity.
Kara has retired from competitive running but remains an active presence as an athlete advisor for Oiselle and Altra. She is a sports analyst and broadcaster for NBC Sports, and had an opportunity to be on the other side of the camera as a color commentator at the Tokyo Olympics.
Competitive from a young age when she would regularly beat all the boys, Kara has learned how to handle pressure and expectations throughout her career. Although Kara dealt with pressure at an elite level, that feeling is something all runners can relate to.
Whether it’s the expectations you set for yourself, feeling pressure from other individuals, or comparing your accomplishments with other runners, the burden of pressure can be overwhelming when you aren’t able to manage it. But nervousness and pre-race jitters can also mean that you are invested in what you are about to do. When you learn how to channel that adrenaline to help instead of hurt, you can use pressure to your benefit.
Kara and I cover a lot of ground on the podcast this week, including:
Links & Resources from the Show:
This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.
Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.
I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet. Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology.
If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.
Thank you to a previous sponsor who has rejoined us, Tanri Outdoors! They're offering 10% off your order with code JASON at checkout.
Tanri makes all-natural mineral sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer that protects you from both types of UV rays. Tanri is made by runners, for runners! All of their products are reef-safe and never tested on animals.
If you spend a fair amount of time outdoors, you know the importance of applying sun protection. I have had to make it a habit myself, living in the mile high city of Denver. Using Tanri products is easy and effective, so I hope you'll give them a try.
Mineral sunscreens like the ones from Tanri typically work better than chemical sunscreens as they protect you from both types of UV rays. And none of their products have phthalates, parabens, or artificial fragrances.
Tanri also gives back 1% of their proceeds to help protect our National Parks. That's a win for you and for our planet! Browse all of their sun care products and use code "JASON" to save 10% on your order.
No matter how much you love running, all runners should strive to be athletes for success and longevity in the sport. Being well-rounded in pursuit of your goals can make you strong and fit for the long haul, both mentally and physically.
This week’s guest on the podcast is a mountain runner, climber, hiker and snowboarder. Kelly Halpin has a passion for exploring remote wilderness, often on her own.
Kelly’s incredibly diverse background has shaped her into the athlete she is today. She has the distinction of earning 14 FKTs (Fastest Known Times) on routes throughout Wyoming, Montana, Utah and California. Most of them have been unsupported - meaning she did them with no assistance and carried everything she needed with her - sometimes for multiple days.
Kelly is also a prolific artist who uses her talent as an illustrator to encourage others to explore the outdoors. As a professional runner with so many unique interests, Kelly brings a unique perspective to athletes in a variety of sports.
Kelly and I touch on a number of topics that runners and other athletes can relate to, including:
Enjoy my unique and dynamic conversation with Kelly!
Links & Resources from the Show:
This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.
Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.
I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet. Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology.
If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.
You’ve probably heard of Spartan Races - but you probably don’t know that they offer such a wide variety of types of races. From short to long-distance obstacle courses - and even ultra distances, to trail races, stadium races, and even city races in major metropolitan areas.
What I love about obstacle course races is that they are a great diagnostic tool to help you pinpoint what area of your fitness is lacking. Do you have a general aerobic deficiency? Do you struggle with upper body strength? Can you handle the stop and start nature of OCR’s? Do you have the mobility to perform the obstacles?
Signing up for a race that challenges you in a different way can help you find out more about yourself as an athlete. Ever since I tried my first obstacle course race in 2012, I’ve loved these events. They are demanding and require you to be a well-rounded athlete, something that I wholeheartedly endorse here on this podcast. Go to spartan.com to find a local race near you. If you’re in Colorado, I hope to see you on June 12th at the Colorado Springs Spartan Race.