For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Latest Episodes:

The Cost of Not Fueling Properly as an Endurance Athlete with Sports Dietitian Claire Shorenstein Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

Runners tend to overcomplicate nutrition, so let’s talk about both mindset and science.

Claire Shorenstein (MS, RD, CSSD) is a board-certified Sports Dietitian working with teenage and adult athletes from the recreational to elite level.

Her virtual private practice, Eat for Endurance, helps busy, active people learn how to fuel themselves for health and performance while navigating the challenges of everyday life.

Claire’s a longtime distance runner herself and hosts The Eat for Endurance Podcast.

Listen to hear about:

Claire’s mental shifts from overachieving to process-oriented
Discovering swimming to develop a growth mindset as a runner
The challenges of changing careers and personal identities
The differences between sports dietitians and nutritionists
Proper fueling practices and tips for endurance athletes

Stay connected:

Claire on Instagram:instagram.com/eatforendurance
Claire on Youtube:youtube.com/@eatforendurance
Claire’s podcast:eatforendurance.com/podcast
For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram:instagram.com/forthelrpod
Jon Levitt on Instagram:instagram.com/jwlevitt
Join the For The Long Run email community:for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLR20 atwww.puma.com.
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2024 atthis link for 15% off your pair.
Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register atwww.boulderthon.org.

How a Former Pro Runner Balances Passions to Be a Pro Dad with Adam Merry Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Want a realistic look at how parents can spend meaningful time with their kids while also working toward running goals?

Adam Merry is a professional dad and former pro runner living in Belfast, Maine. He loves the process of self-discovery and improvement through training and race trail and ultra marathons.

Listen to hear about:

Finding a sustainable balance between family life, work, and running
Stepping away from Instagram and Strava to avoid comparison
Finding other outlets and communities to stay connected
Consistency in training for the Black Canyon 50k race
Future plans for the Boulder Boys podcast

Listen to Adam’s episode from almost 5 years ago on For The Long Run: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4rOQWTg68pVJk8XdaLnAMb

Stay connected:

Adam on Instagram: instagram.com/amerryrunner
For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2024 at this link for 15% off your pair.
PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLR20 at www.puma.com.
Fuel Goods: Get all of your endurance sports nutrition goodies from one place and support an Asheville-based local business. You may even get a free FTLR hat in your custom box! Use code FTLR10. https://fuelgoods.com/pages/forthelongrun

A Real Look Behind the Scenes of Producing this Podcast with Emily Holland Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

For The Long Run’s podcast consultant is here to pull back the veil on everything from production to brand partnerships!

Emily Holland is the co-founder of Wild Poppy Creative Consulting, working with creators and small business owners to maximize their impact on the world. She’s worked with Jon for 3 years now and she joins the pod to break down everything For The Long Run in a real way.

She's a trail runner, rock climber, beginner skier, and overall outdoor enthusiast based in Boulder with her partner and weird rescue dog.

Listen to hear about:

- Predictions for the content and podcasting space in 2025

- How podcasts and brands can work together as a win-win

- How FTLR has put out content consistently for 6 years

- Building relationships through podcasting

- Upcoming plans for FTLR that include YOU!

Stay connected:

- Emily on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilylholland

- Emily on Instagram: instagram.com/emilylaurelholland

- Wild Poppy Creative Consulting for podcasts: wildpoppycreativeco.com

- For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod

- Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt

- Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.

The Social Side of Running: How Community Events Fill a Need for Human Connection with Brunch Running’s Alexandra Weissner Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

Ever thought about starting a run club or event of your own? Listen up!

Alexandra Weissner is the co-founder of Brunch Running, a community-focused run club and event series based in Denver.

With years of experience producing events like The bRUNch Run and the Steamboat Marathon, Alexandra has built a vibrant community that celebrates running, connection, and post-run brunches.

Want to run the Steamboat Marathon? Use code FTLR15 for 15% off your race entry of any distance!

Listen to hear about:

- Run clubs as social hubs for community and inclusion

- How you can start a run club yourself

- Getting in the mindset to create something new

- How Alex balanced training and work while professionalizing her running

- Finding local support and volunteers to make events like the Steamboat Marathon happen

Stay connected:

- Code FTLR15 for 15% off race entry: steamboatchamber.com

- Alexandra Weissner on Instagram: instagram.com/alexweissner

- Brunch Running Club on Instagram: instagram.com/brunchrunning

- Brunch Running Club Website: brunchrunning.com

- For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod

- Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt

- Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

How to Turn a Setback into Two Steps Forward with Pro Runner Fiona O’Keeffe Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

How do you stay motivated after a big setback or injury?

Fiona O'Keeffe is a professional runner with the PUMA Elite team based in North Carolina. After graduating from Stanford in 2020, she made the move to the East Coast and found success on the roads under the guidance of Alistair and Amy Cragg.

Listen to hear about:

- Balancing competition and community

- Process goals and setbacks as opportunities for growth

- PUMA’s support and how they value their athletes

- Not being afraid to take chances

- Enjoying the day-to-day aspects of running

- Using gratitude for reflection and staying grounded

Stay connected:

- Fiona on Instagram: instagram.com/fiona_okeeffe

- For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod

- Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt

- Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.

Tips for Downhill Running, Process Goals, and Long-Term Running Planning with Coach Ian Sharman Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

Get tips from a coach who’s run over 250 marathons and ultras on 5 continents!

Ian Sharman is the founder of Sharman Ultra Coaching, a team of elite coaches. He got a marathon PR of 2:21 at age 43, and a half marathon PR of 1:03 at age 44. He's won over 50 marathon+ races with at least one win every year for 19 (and counting) consecutive years.

Ian also holds the fastest time in a trail 100-mile race by a Brit (12h44m), the record for the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning (69h49m), has won the USATF 100-mile trail championship twice and is a four-time Leadville Trail 100 Champion.

Listen to hear about:

Getting hooked on ultras after a race in the Sahara Desert
Ultramarathon strategies to maintain a consistent pace
Behind the scenes of focusing on 100 mile races
Goal-setting and long-term planning for running
Tips for downhill running
Outcome vs. process goals

Stay connected:

Ian on Instagram: instagram.com/sharmanian
Follow @sharmanian on Threads, Bluesky and X
Ian’s website: sharmanultra.com
For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLR20 at www.puma.com.
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2024 at this link for 15% off your pair.

Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.

Fuel Goods: Get all of your endurance sports nutrition goodies from one place and support an Asheville-based local business. You may even get a free FTLR hat in your custom box! Use code FTLR10. https://fuelgoods.com/pages/forthelongrun

What It Takes to Win Your Country’s First Olympic Medal with Julien Alfred Jan 03, 2025

Show notes

This sprinter came from humble beginnings and is now one of the fastest people on Earth.

Julien Alfred is a Saint Lucian sprinter and PUMA athlete who won the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics 100-meter event, setting a new national record of 10.72s in the final.

Her medal was the first-ever Olympic medal for Saint Lucia, and then won a silver in the 200 meters.

Listen to hear about:

Julien’s start to running as a child
How a professional sprinter trains
Not getting complacent, even with multiple Olympic medals
The role that faith plays in Julien’s drive
Julien’s experience on the PUMA athlete team
Being featured on Netflix’s “Sprint”

Stay connected:

Julien on Instagram: instagram.com/julien.alfred
For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.
Fuel Goods: Get all of your endurance sports nutrition goodies from one place and support an Asheville-based local business. You may even get a free FTLR hat in your custom box! Use code FTLR10. https://fuelgoods.com/pages/forthelongrun
PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLR20 at www.puma.com.
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2024 at this link for 15% off your pair.

The Stories Shaping Running Culture with Like The Wind Magazine’s Simon Freeman Dec 27, 2024

Show notes

Print media is still alive, and it’s shaping running culture, too.

Simon Freeman is a runner and co-founder of Like the Wind magazine, an indie running publication telling stories that inspire, motivate and move runners.

He and his wife Julie also co-founded Freestak, an influencer platform for endurance sports brands which they sold in 2023.

Simon lives in Switzerland, enjoying the mountain life and building the Like the Wind media business.

Listen to hear about:

How Simon wove his entrepreneurial background into the endurance sports space
The beginnings of Like the Wind and growing a media business
Why he chose an ink on paper journal for long-form storytelling
Breaking stasis and taking risks in business
The challenges of training for a marathon at 50
Balancing financial challenges with creative freedom
Why storytelling is so important to running culture

Stay connected:

Simon on Instagram: instagram.com/likethewindmag
For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2024 at this link for 15% off your pair.
Go Brewing: Grab a few six-packs of the award-winning non-alcoholic beer using code FTLR and get 15% off and free shipping on all orders above $40. My favorites are the sours. Find them at gobrewing.com.
PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLR20 at www.puma.com.

This Athlete’s on a Mission to Simplify Endurance Nutrition: Laura Jorgensen of Fuel Goods Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

Laura Jorgensen took a "short" break from her finance job that turned into a seven-year pro cycling career, earning over 50 podiums and a spot on the U.S. National Team.

Along the way, she and her teammate-turned-cofounder Courteney Lowe built The RunnerBox and The RiderBox into top-ranked subscription boxes.

In 2024, tired of the sports nutrition industry’s tendency to be overwhelming, uninviting, and, well, stale, Laura and Courteney launched Fuel Goods—an e-commerce marketplace making sports nutrition simple, accessible, and fun.

Listen to hear about:

Why Laura’s college basketball career ended prematurely and how she transitioned to running
How the challenges of being a female endurance athlete led to her entrepreneurial journey
The origin story of the Fuel Goods RunnerBox
Behind the scenes of the FTLR Fuel Goods boxes curated by Jon
Balancing personal growth with the desire to achieve

Stay connected:

Fuel Goods on Instagram: instagram.com/fuel_goods
Fuel Goods on TikTok: tiktok.com/@fuel_goods
For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLR20 at www.puma.com.
Fuel Goods: Get all of your endurance sports nutrition goodies from one place and support an Asheville-based local business. You may even get a free FTLR hat in your custom box! Use code FTLR10: https://fuelgoods.com/pages/forthelongrun
Go Brewing: Grab a few six-packs of the award-winning non-alcoholic beer using code FTLR and get 15% off and free shipping on all orders above $40. My favorites are the sours. Find them at gobrewing.com.

How to Run For Joy and Not Ego with Writer Raz Rauf of Running Sucks Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

Raz says that running sucks, but we should do it anyway.

Raziq Rauf is an NCTJ-trained journalist (writer) and USATF-certified running coach (runner).

Raz interviews interesting people from the running world, and writes about their impact on running culture and the people around them in his weekly newsletter, Running Sucks.

Listen to hear about:

Solo running and how it mirrors Raz’s solo writing life
The benefits of run clubs and how to get it right
Why Raz lied to his friends about training for a 5k so he could avoid drinking
Finding more joy in training rather than racing
Role models making an impact on the running community

Stay connected:

Raz on Instagram: instagram.com/runningsucks101
For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod

Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt

Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

Fuel Goods: Get all of your endurance sports nutrition goodies from one place and support an Asheville-based local business. You may even get a free FTLR hat in your custom box! https://fuelgoods.com/pages/forthelongrun
Emich Kia of Denver: Family-owned and reliable dealer for buying or leasing an EV! I test drove the EV6 and it's a game-changer with 300+ mile range, super-fast charging, a sporty feel perfect for driving up into the mountains. Tell Emich Kia of Denver I sent you.
Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.

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