What Runs a Run

In this episode, Dr. Krista Austin shares insights on preparing for high performance in endurance sports, focusing on mental readiness, energy fueling, and adaptability. Learn how elite athletes train their bodies and minds to handle unpredictable conditions and push past limits. Krista Gail Austin shares insights on optimizing marathon performance through individualized training, mental resilience, sleep strategies, and the role of technology. Learn practical tips to adapt training plans, manage sleep, and leverage mental drills for better race outcomes.Key topicsReadiness as a foundation for performanceBuilding the engine: sustainable fueling strategiesThe command center: mental management during racesIndividualizing training for optimal results Individualized training plansSleep banking and circadian rhythmMental resilience and hitting the wallRole of technology and data in trainingLessons from elite athletes and military trainingChapters00:00 Introduction to High Performance Coaching11:15 Rebuilding Elite Athletes: The Case of Meb Kofleski19:32 Fitness vs. Readiness: Key Differences29:34 Fueling for the Long Haul: Efficiency Over Intensity35:35 Training the Gut: Fueling Strategies for Race Day43:05 Hitting the Wall: Physical and Mental Factors48:09 Brain Fuel: Enhancing Focus and Performance55:11 Learning from Experience: Adapting to Race Day Conditions01:00:46 Cognitive Drills and Sleep Banking for Performance01:06:04 The Debate on Sleep Patterns: Individual Preferences01:14:57 Individualizing Training Plans for Runners01:24:28 Navigating Technology Overload in Training01:32:45 Rapid Fire Insights on Nutrition and TrainingReference (s):https://kristaaustin.com/

Your shoes might outlive your great-great-great-grandchildren. 👟⏳Did you know it takes up to 1,000 years for a single pair of running shoes to decompose? Most of us swap our trainers every 400 miles, but we rarely talk about where those "dead" shoes actually go.In our latest episode of What Runs a Run, we sit down with Tony Piedade, the visionary behind @JogOnAgain. We’re diving deep into:🧪 The "Material Cocktail": Why glues and foams make recycling a nightmare.🌍 The 40-Tonne Milestone: How Tony built a global logistics engine to save shoes from landfills.🤝 Sports Equity: Why sustainability is the key to making running more accessible.Stop treating your gear as disposable. Learn how to give your miles a second life.Key TakeawaysJogging Buddy was created to connect runners and promote activity.Jog On was born from the realization of the environmental impact of discarded shoes.Over 300 million pairs of shoes end up in landfills each year.Shoes can still be useful after their running life is over.Changing consumer habits is crucial for sustainability.Recycling running shoes is complex due to their materials.Jog On collects shoes through various community partners.End-of-life shoes are currently incinerated for energy.Brands need to take responsibility for their products' lifecycle.Consumer demand will drive brands towards more sustainable practices.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Running02:29 The Journey of Jogging Buddy06:17 The Birth of Jog On10:43 Challenges in Recycling Running Shoes14:07 The Life Cycle of Donated Shoes18:48 End-of-Life Solutions for Shoes21:18 Brand Responsibility in Shoe Lifecycle25:50 Future of Sustainable Footwear29:33 What's Next for Jog On?32:25 Conclusion and Call to ActionReferences:Jog On - https://www.jogonagain.com/aboutJogging Buddy - https://joggingbuddy.com/

Is "Sustainable Running" an Oxymoron? 🌍👟Damian Hall (author of We Can’t Run Away From This) breaks it down in the this episode of Sustainability in 26.2 series. If you think sustainability is just about recycled medals, this episode will challenge you.Here are 3 "Inconvenient Truths" Damian shared for runners and race organizers:1️⃣ The 90% Rule: Participant travel (flights/driving) accounts for the vast majority of a race's footprint. We need to talk about "Racing Local" more than we talk about plastic cups. 2️⃣ The Power of "No": Damian recently walked away from major brand deals to stay true to the Game Changer Sponsorship Pledge. Integrity has a price, but silence costs more. 3️⃣ Longevity is Ecological: His new book Run Forever argues that staying fit into your 50s isn't just about PRs—it’s about becoming a long-term steward of the trails.Whether you're a marathoner or a race director, Damian’s "4 Pillars" framework is a masterclass in systemic change.Time stamps:00:00 - Ultra running as an ecological statement: Damian Hall’s journey02:30 - The complexities and wild terrain of the Barclay Marathons03:52 - Barefoot river crossings and their environmental significance06:19 - Damian’s reflections on race logistics, course secrecy, and planning07:58 - The challenge of recceing off-trail races and how athletes prepare10:34 - Transitioning from a non-running background to ultramarathon excellence12:13 - How early races sparked a passion for ultra-distance running13:34 - Fast escalation: from half marathon to 268-mile race14:40 - Recognizing environmental issues in the running community16:19 - Insights from Damian’s book "Run Forever" on aging and mindset18:07 - Overcoming overconsumption: race waste and kit lifecycle19:02 - The impact of sports washing and industry influence on environmental initiatives20:28 - Industry sponsorship, greenwashing, and promoting responsibility22:33 - The Green Runners’ four pillars for sustainable running: travel, kit, fuel, and advocacy25:43 - Challenging high-footprint races like QAnon and Seven Continent Marathon27:01 - Shoes and gear longevity: the science of durability and reducing waste30:03 - The importance of systemic change over individual efforts31:54 - Damian’s experience with brands and navigating sustainability commitments34:02 - The future of responsible sponsorship in ultra and mainstream sports36:25 - How durable shoes and mindful consumption can transform the sport38:35 - Long-distance shoes, their lifespan, and the importance of design for sustainability41:06 - Damian’s upcoming book "Run Forever" and longevity in running43:02 - The role of mindset, perception, and attitude towards aging and performance44:40 - Practical tips for maintaining health, strength, and running ability over decades46:12 - Rapid fire insights: Should carbon-plated shoes be banned?47:14 - The progress and pitfalls of the London Marathon’s sustainability efforts48:40 - Constraints on racing travel: is a one flight every five years rule feasible?50:34 - Industry-wide responsibility versus athlete individual choices51:46 - The significance of language: understanding "Kerfufflefuck" and metaphorical expressions52:11 - Closing thoughts: Damian’s call for responsibility, systemic change, and resilient gear choices

In this episode of What Runs a Run, host Kamal Datta chats with renowned distance coach Greg Macmillan. They discuss Greg's journey from a young runner in rural Tennessee to becoming a leading coach and creator of the Macmillan running calculator. The conversation covers essential coaching philosophies, including the importance of understanding individual runner needs, the concept of 'experiment of one', and strategies for different levels of runners from beginners to elites. Greg emphasizes the significance of listening to one's body, the role of technology in coaching, and the mental aspects of training. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire round, where Greg shares insights on various coaching topics.Key takeawaysStart where you are and build gradually.Listening to your body is crucial to avoid injuries.Excessive soreness is a sign to back off.A good mobility program can prevent injuries.The talk test is a simple way to gauge effort.Run-walk strategies can help beginners.Intermediate runners often hit plateaus due to repetitive training.The four pillars of performance are essential for success.Lactate threshold training is key for performance improvement.Prehab is critical for injury prevention.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Greg Macmillan03:58 The Golden Rule of Running06:08 Understanding the Experiment of One07:38 Challenges for New Runners11:27 Key Indicators for Beginners12:47 The Talk Test and Strategic Walking15:35 Breaking Through Plateaus for Intermediate Runners17:50 The Four Pillars of Performance18:36 Lactate Threshold and Its Importance20:28 The Concept of Prehab22:10 Insights for Elite Runners24:25 Optimizing Performance Through Nutrition and Recovery25:39 The Fast Finish Long Run: A Game Changer30:43 Listening to Your Body: The Key to Injury Prevention33:15 The Evolution of Coaching: From Faxes to AI35:25 Navigating Technology: Data Overload in Running39:54 The Future of Coaching: AI vs Human InsightReference (s):McMillan Running Website https://www.mcmillanrunning.com/

In this episode, host Kamal Datta sits down with Dr. Brian McCullough, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Sport & Sustainability at the University of Michigan and explores explores the environmental impact of events, particularly focusing on the different scopes of emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) and the challenges associated with data collection and reporting. The speakers discuss how events, especially those held outdoors, can have varying impacts based on participant numbers and the limitations of available data.Key takeaways:Events are concentrated on one weekend or a week.Scope 3 emissions are significantly high for events.Data collection for events can be inconsistent.Comparisons per participant have limitations.Some data may not be precise or complete.Understanding Scope 1 and Scope 2 impacts is crucial.Outdoor events may have different environmental impacts.Reporting on emissions varies by organization.Gray data presents challenges in analysis.Accurate data is essential for sustainability efforts.Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sport Ecology and Sustainability04:12 The Evolution of Sport Ecology Research06:49 Frameworks for Measuring Sustainability in Events09:36 Understanding Carbon Emissions in Sporting Events12:31 Data Quality and Challenges in Emission Calculations15:28 The Role of Travel in Scope 3 Emissions18:20 Improving Data Accuracy and Methodologies21:12 Future Directions in Sport Ecology Research25:40 Recommendations for Race Organizers29:57 The Importance of Reduction Over Offsetting35:40 Understanding the Sustainable Runner42:31 Future of Marathons and Sustainability48:28 Measuring the Impact of SupportersReferences:Brian's University of Michigan profile - https://experts.umich.edu/13067-brian-mcculloughResearch paper published by Brian - https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/19/14375Council for responsible sport - https://www.councilforresponsiblesport.org/

In this podcast episode, Linda shares her journey as a mother of three, a business owner, and a passionate marathon runner. She discusses the challenges of balancing her family life with her running and business commitments, her experiences with the Boston Marathon, and the mental strategies she employs during races. Linda emphasizes the importance of community support in her running journey and reflects on how running has become a significant part of her lifestyle. The conversation also touches on her training preferences and favorite race day rituals.Key Takeaways:Linda is a mother of three and runs two businesses.Planning is essential for balancing her responsibilities.She has run the Boston Marathon seven times.Community support plays a crucial role in her running journey.Running has become a lifestyle for her.She enjoys the social aspect of running with friends.Linda aims to complete marathons in all 50 states.She finds motivation in inspiring others to run.Mental strategies help her during challenging races.She prefers specific brands for her running gear and nutrition.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Linda's Journey03:00 Balancing Life and Running06:09 Boston Marathon Experience09:53 The Mental Aspect of Running12:48 Running as a Lifestyle16:06 Support Systems in Running18:02 Rapid Fire QuestionsShownotes and Transcripts - https://www.traxamo.com/boston-26-2-linda-solomon

In this conversation, Mike Beeman, who ran 48 consecutive Boston Marathon since 1978, shares his experiences at the 2025 Boston Marathon, highlighting the significant role social media, particularly TikTok, played in enhancing his race experience. He discusses the overwhelming support he received from fans and the community, which made the event memorable. The interaction with fans and the viral content he created post-race exemplifies the modern athlete's relationship with social media and its impact on sporting events.Key takeaways:1. Understanding Your BodyEvery runner has their unique relationship with their body. Kamal Datta, the podcast host, emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body before every run. He suggests starting with a simple question, "How do you feel today?" This practice encourages runners to adjust their pace according to their physical state that day. Mike echoes this sentiment, sharing his belief in the principle of "long slow distance" running. He advises against running too fast, as it can exacerbate any underlying issues, such as pronation or supination.2. The Journey of a RunnerMike’s journey began in high school, driven by the desire to make the basketball team. After a candid conversation with his coach about his weight, he decided to take up cross-country running. His early experiences were marked by simplicity—no fancy gadgets or apps, just sheer determination. He recalls running laps around a dirt track, believing he was on his way to breaking records, only to discover that his times were far from what he imagined. Yet, this humility molded his passion for running, leading to a remarkable transformation that left a lasting impression on his coaches and peers.3. The Evolution of the Boston MarathonMike reflects on the significant changes he’s witnessed in the Boston Marathon over the years. He notes the technological advancements, including the introduction of digital tracking devices, which were non-existent during his early days of running. Additionally, he discusses how the marathon’s atmosphere has evolved, with a greater number of participants and the inclusion of charity runners. This shift has made qualifying for the event increasingly competitive and has transformed the experience of marathon running into a more inclusive yet challenging endeavor.4. Acceptance and MindsetOne of the most profound insights from the podcast is the need for acceptance as runners age. Mike shares wisdom from elite athletes he has admired, who emphasize that running is simply about the act itself, regardless of speed. He highlights that many runners struggle with the inability to accept slower times as they grow older, yet it is crucial to embrace every step taken, whether it’s a six-minute mile or a ten-minute mile. The focus should shift from competition to personal achievement and sustainability in the sport.Conclusion:The conversation with Mike serves as a reminder that running is more than just a physical activity; it’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and community. As he prepares for his next race in Boston, the lessons he shares about listening to one’s body, adapting to changes, and embracing the joy of movement resonate deeply. Key takeaways include the importance of pacing oneself, the evolution of running culture, and the significance of maintaining a positive mindset throughout one’s running journey.#Running #Marathon #BostonMarathon #FitnessJourney #Mindset #LongDistanceRunning #AthleteStories #Wellness

In this conversation, Kamal Datta speaks with Chris Newcomer, a specialist in peer-to-peer fundraising at Give Sign Up. They explore the concept of peer-to-peer fundraising, its significance for nonprofits, and the tools available on the Give Sign Up platform. Chris shares insights from his unique journey from opera singer to fundraising expert, discusses the dynamics between nonprofits and race organizers, and highlights the importance of storytelling and engagement in successful fundraising efforts. The conversation also delves into gamification strategies and the challenges faced by fundraisers, providing valuable takeaways for both nonprofits and individuals looking to make an impact through fundraising. Key takeaways :- Peer-to-peer fundraising involves asking supporters to reach out to their networks.- Chris transitioned from a career in opera to nonprofit fundraising for greater security.- Give Sign Up offers free tools for nonprofits to facilitate fundraising.- Successful fundraising often relies on human stories and personal connections.- Not all nonprofits are suited for peer-to-peer fundraising; it works best with vocal supporters.- Race organizers can partner with nonprofits to streamline fundraising efforts.- Fundraisers should maintain engagement and share their pages regularly.- Gamification can enhance fundraising by providing recognition and milestones.- Post-event communication is essential for building long-term donor relationships.- Nonprofits should provide resources and coaching to their fundraisers for better outcomes.Episode Outline: 00:00 Introduction to Peer-to-Peer Fundraising02:50 Chris Newcomer's Journey to Fundraising06:05 Understanding Give Sign Up's Tools08:58 The Dynamics of Nonprofit and Race Partnerships11:50 Success Factors for Fundraisers15:11 Gamification in Fundraising18:02 Engagement Strategies for Nonprofits20:48 Challenges and Best Practices in FundraisingShownotes and Transcripts - https://www.traxamo.com/fundraising-in-26-2-peer-2-peer

In this conversation, Kamal Datta chats with Harps Hansara, an avid runner who began her journey during the pandemic. Harps shares her experiences training for and running the Boston Marathon, including the challenges she faced and the lessons learned. She discusses the importance of community support, her training regimen, and her aspirations to complete all six major marathons. The conversation highlights the personal growth and fulfillment that comes from pursuing running as a passion. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:- Running started as a therapeutic outlet during lockdown.- Harps trained for the Boston Marathon after running the London Marathon.- Harps focused on visualizing his goals before races.- Training included local races to test fitness and elevation.- The Boston Marathon experience was surreal and well-organized.- Downhill running posed unexpected challenges during the race.- Harps aims to complete all six major marathons in a year.- Family support plays a crucial role in her running journey.- Harps highlights running with friends for the social aspect.- Harps is self-coached and enjoys learning about running techniques.Episode Outline:00:00 Introduction to Running Journey02:54 The Boston Marathon Experience05:46 Training for the Boston Marathon09:00 Race Day Insights11:41Reflections on the Course14:53 Support Systems in Running17:38 Rapid Fire Questions and ConclusionShownotes - https://www.traxamo.com/boston-26-2-harps-hansara

In this next episode on Tech in 26.2 podcast, discover the future of personalized running training with Sean Bradford, founder and CEO of TrainAsOne. In this eye-opening interview, Sean shares how his unique background in medicine and technology led to the creation of an AI-powered training app that's changing the game for runners worldwide. Learn about: ⛳ The science behind TrainAsOne's innovative approach to injury prevention ⛳ Why traditional training plans may be outdated and potentially harmful ⛳ The surprising truth about speed work and long runs in marathon training ⛳ How AI analyzes your running data to create truly personalized plans ⛳ The future of multi-sport training and informed decision-making for athletes Whether you're a beginner or an experienced runner, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and provide valuable insights into smarter, safer, and more effective training methods. Podcast Outline 0:05 Episode Summary 1:32 Introduction 2:25 Sean’s journey from medicine to technology entrepreneurship 8:15 Using AI technology to solve for training for running with scientific evidence, that works and with less injury 12:49 Why do we get running related injuries? 17:34 What is TrainAsOne? 22:49 Data TrainAsOne’s data model trained on 38:01 Achieving race day timing goals with TrainAsOne 48:06 You don’t need to run 20+ miles as the longest run to train for marathon References TrainAsOne Website - https://trainasone.com/ Episode info: Youtube - https://youtu.be/4E-QADGa6ag Apple Podcast link - https://bit.ly/4anHcU5 Spotify podcast link - https://bit.ly/3DZAM1s Transcript and Show notes: https://www.traxamo.com/tech-in-26-2-sean-radford Enjoy the episode!

In the next episode of the Tech in 26.2 Podcast on Traxamo, I have a conversation with Gerry Perez, the Founder and CEO of RUNGP, the leading CRM platform for the running industry. Gerry, who has a background in digital marketing, recounts how attending an industry event inspired him to transition his digital marketing agency into a software company. We delve into various case studies and the data supporting them, emphasizing the most effective channels that event organizers should prioritize to maximize their marketing ROI. This discussion promises to be extremely beneficial for event marketers and organizers alike. Enjoy listening! Here are the highlights from our conversation: ⛳ Pivoting from digital marketing agency to building a SaaS business ⛳ Deep dive into event marketing landscape in endurance industry ⛳ Why SMS marketing is the best marketing investment for event organizers? ⛳ Intersection of AI and event marketing - ⛳ Navigating compliance and what is SWAS (software with agency service)? Podcast Outline 0:05 Episode Summary 1:05 Introduction 1:51 Founding story of RunGP 3:03 What’s RunGP 3:55 Transitioning from Digital agency to software company 11:45 Background in endurance industry marketing and channels 13:19 RunGP’s core offerings 17:14 Why SMS marketing is the best investment for event organizers 21:29 Key metrics to measure ROI on event marketing investment 26:12 Approaching event marketing for different generation 28:31 Using AI for event marketing for FAQs, content or reputation management Conversation AI Content AI (writing creatives) reviews AI (reputation management) 33:54 Marketing trends in the endurance industry 36:45 Handling compliance in SMS marketing 40:21 Supporting the endurance sports ecosystem through Software as agency service (SWAS) 44:40 Scaling with SWAS business model? 46:19 What’s next for RunGP? References RunGP - https://rungp.io/ RunGP Podcast on SMS Marketing - https://rungp.io/podcast Special mentions Chris Tomlinson Episode info: Youtube - https://youtu.be/EROW332W_Q8 Apple Podcast link - https://apple.co/3zJgkAj Spotify podcast link - https://bit.ly/4eEPJmZ Transcript and Show notes: https://www.traxamo.com/tech-in-26-2-gerry-perez Enjoy the episode!

Podcast Outline 0:05 Introduction 2:34 A quick overview of Movemint platform 3:11 Founding Movemint over a bike ride 6:34 Finding a product market fit 9:30 Friction points Movemint platform solves today 12:19 4 Personas supported on Movemint platform 15:14 Deciding on the right Pricing strategy 17:39 Strava integration - supporting athletes and organizers 21:43 Supporting timers solving the frictions between registrations to scoring to results 25:07 Raising pre-seed round 28:00 Fail fast moments when building Movemint 31:20 How does the feedback loop look like at Movemint 32:51 Future of event registration industry 38:36 Is Movemint profitable with adopting industry pricing standards as they scale up? 40:23 AI and future of event registration industry References - Movemint platform - https://www.movemint.cc/ - People can reach out to Zack at [zack@movemint.cc](mailto:zack@movemint.cc) or on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackisaacs/) - Sample event page from [Headlands 27k](https://www.movemint.cc/events/headlands_27k_2024/), global series page for [Tracksmith Twilight 5000](https://www.movemint.cc/organizers/tracksmith), and [Strava segment-powered virtual event on Mt Tam](https://www.movemint.cc/events/tam_trail_time_trial_2024/) (lowest time across all segments wins). - Underscore VC's [Why We Invested](https://underscore.vc/blog/why-we-invested-movemint/), [Boston Road Runners launch](https://www.endurancesportswire.com/boston-road-runners-and-next-generation-donation-support-run-on-movemint/), [Tracksmith Twilight 5000 launch](https://www.endurancesportswire.com/tracksmith-launches-global-twilight-5000-track-races-on-movemint/), and [USA Cycling integration launch](https://www.endurancesportswire.com/movemint-announces-usa-cycling-integration-to-support-cycling-event-organizers/) Podcast production tool credit: Planning - Notion Research and show notes - Perplexity and Microsoft Copilot Recording - Zoom Transcription - [Restream.io](http://restream.io/) Media editing and mixing - Canva MagicAI Episode info: - Youtube - - Apple Podcast link - - Spotify podcast link - Transcript and Show notes: - Enjoy the episode! #endurance #running #runners #coaching

Tech in 26.2 Podcast Intro