At 35, Sara Vaughn was just getting started—landing her first professional contract and proving that sometimes the best chapters come when you're brave enough to rewrite the story.
Sara Vaughn is mom of 4, placed 6th in the NYC Marathon in 2024, is a top American and 2X top 10 at the Chicago Marathon.
Jon chats with Sara about:
Stay connected:
Follow Sara:
https://www.instagram.com/saravaughn_realtor/
https://www.instagram.com/vaughnchildcarefund/
This episode is supported by:
PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!
Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!
Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance, and anyone serious about their training, with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best.
AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.
Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for 10% off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.
After 21 years as a professional runner, Sara Hall reveals the mental shift that saved her career when she was ready to quit in 2009 - and why she refuses to use the 'grandma emoji' at age 42.
Sara Hall is a professional distance runner for ASICS. Her personal best time for the marathon is 2:20:32 set at the Marathon Project in Chandler, Arizona on December 22, 2020, making her the third-fastest American woman in history. She is the second-fastest American woman ever to run the half marathon, running 1:07:15 on January 16, 2022–an American record at the time.
Jon chats with Sara about:
Stay connected:
Follow Sara:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahall3/
This episode is supported by:
Eternal: This episode is sponsored by Eternal: a science-backed, preventative health company offering integrated primary care, advanced testing, and personalized health planning for active people. Whether you’re chasing a PR, recovering from injury, or simply optimizing long-term health, Eternal gives you the full picture and a plan of action.
AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at amazfit.com and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.
Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!
Visit Leadville: So you think you know Leadville? Lake County has so much more to offer year-round than just the 100 miler in the summer. If you’re thinking of getting away, highly recommend booking a trip to Leadville to get up into the mountains, eat yummy food, and play outside. Check out more of what Leadville has to offer here!
If you don’t invest in your weaknesses now, they will haunt you down the road.
This conversation originally aired on Episode 13 of Long Run Labs, my new podcast on the business of the outdoor industry.
Alex is the Founder and CEO of Eternal. Before founding Eternal, Alex was the founder and CEO of The Athletic, a subscription sports media company founded in 2016. The Athletic reached 1M paid subscribers faster than any publishing company in history and sold to The New York Times in 2022 for $550M. Prior to The Athletic, Alex ran Product & Design for Strava, helping the platform go from 800 users to 10s of millions. Originally from Philadelphia, Alex lives in Presidio Heights with his wife, two kids, and golden retriever.
Jon chats with Alex about:
Stay connected:
Follow Alex:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexemather/
This episode is supported by:
Sometimes the hardest race isn't 100 miles through the mountains - it's figuring out who you are when everything in your life changes.
Amanda is a professional trail runner and endurance coach with a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University. She has coached endurance athletes for 10 years in everything from 5k - 200 miles. She is an Oregonian originally and now lives and trains in Colorado.
Amanda ran collegiately for a couple years and then got into road marathons. It wasn’t until 2014 that she discovered trail running after an injury from pounding the pavement. Amanda was instantly hooked and jumped into the ultra scene. She’s very competitive so she made it a goal to become an elite trail runner. She accomplished that goal in 2015 and won the 50 mile USATF Trail Championships as her first race as a professional. After that, she traveled the world and raced as many of the top trail races as she could, including Western States 100, UTMB, CCC, Tarawera and Ultra Trail Capetown.
Jon chats with Amanda about:
Struggling with imposter syndrome as a professional runner
Sports psychology work
Moving from ultra volume to speed work and shorter distances
Balancing professional obligations with family life
Redefining success and moving beyond performance metrics
Stay connected:
Follow Amanda:
https://www.instagram.com/amanda_basham/
Amanda’s Website:
This episode is supported by:
Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!
Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!
Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.
AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at amazfit.com and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.
Is it better to be well-lopsided or well-balanced?
Randi Zuckerberg is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, media personality, and endurance athlete who embodies a "portfolio approach to life." Currently serving as a radio host, investor, entrepreneur, author, and mother, Randi has built a diverse career spanning technology, media, and athletics.
Jon chats with Randi about:
Managing the pain cave
Breaking age/gender stereotypes
Applying business thinking to race planning and problem-solving
Preparing to run Cocodona 250 again and other future races
Stay connected:
Follow Randi:
https://www.instagram.com/randizuckerberg/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/randizuckerberg
This episode is supported by:
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!
Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.
Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!
Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.
What happens when a mining town of 40,000 people shrinks to just 2,700 overnight, and then reinvents itself as one of America's most authentic mountain destinations? Today we're talking with Adam Ducharme about Leadville's incredible transformation from boom-and-bust mining to endurance sports mecca.
Adam Ducharme’s tourism journey started early; he was born in the Silver Lake Motel on Cape Cod and was helping check in guests and change sheets before he could tie his shoes. Now based in Leadville, Colorado, the highest incorporated city in America, Adam brings that lifelong passion for people and places to the Top of the Rockies. As the Tourism and Economic Development Director for Lake County, he focuses on building community trust, supporting local businesses, championing Destination Stewardship, and helping shape a resilient, thriving future for this treasured region. Adam lives in Leadville with his two awesome kids, Ayla and James. When he’s not working to make Leadville and Twin Lakes even more welcoming, you’ll probably find him chasing type-two fun, exploring the outdoors, and proving that the best adventures usually come with a little grit.
Jon chats with Adam about:
The History of Leadville and Creation of Race Series
Essentials When Visiting Leadville
Stay connected:
Visit Leadville:
https://www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/visitleadville/
This episode is supported by:
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!
Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.
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.
Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.
What if you accomplished everything you wanted, but still felt empty?
Pierce Showe is in the business of extreme discipline — a language spoken by the world’s top performers. He spent the early part of his career as the right hand to Super Bowl champion Steve Weatherford before stepping fully into his calling as a faith-driven endurance athlete and coach.
He’s completed multiple 100- and 200-mile ultramarathons, an Ironman, and an Ultraman — pushing human limits with grit, purpose, and an unshakable faith in God. Most recently, Pierce broke the Guinness World Record for most consecutive treadmill half-marathons (153 days) to raise awareness for healthier school meals and the broken food system in America.
While Pierce’s faith is central to his life and message, his experiences and insights resonate with both faith-based and secular audiences. Whether speaking to entrepreneurs, athletes, or personal growth communities, he tailors each conversation to inspire action, build discipline, and help listeners push past their perceived limits.
Today, he helps high-achieving entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday athletes run the race set before them — physically, mentally, and spiritually — through the same principles of discipline, consistency, and faith that have shaped his life.
Jon chats with Pierce about:
How Faith Grounds Pierce in Life, Running, and Business
How he broke a Guiness World Record
His second time running the Leadville 100
His passion for addressing problems with the US Food System
His Locked-In Mental Approach to Succeed in Races
Stay connected:
Follow Pierce:
Instagram: instagram.com/pierceshowe
YouTube: youtube.com/@pierceshowe
Website: www.runyourrace.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.
Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.
Pike’s Peak: Mark your calendars for September 19-21, 2025 for coverage of the Pike’s Peak Ascent and Marathon. Join us in-person or follow along on the For The Long Run Youtube channel!
Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase.
Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.
What happens when you quit your corporate job, go all-in on entrepreneurship, and decide to run 40 miles through the Colorado mountains? Today we're diving into how major life changes and epic trail adventures go hand in hand.
Having recently ran the Grand Traverse race with Emily, we dive into the details of the race experience, as well as other exciting life/career updates since Emily was last on the podcast in January.
Jon chats with Emily about:
Stay connected:
Follow Emily:
https://www.instagram.com/emilylaurelholland/
My Membership Community:
This episode is supported by:
PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!
Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.
Pike’s Peak: Mark your calendars for September 19-21, 2025 for coverage of the Pike’s Peak Ascent and Marathon. Join us in-person or follow along on the For The Long Run Youtube channel!
Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off half marathon or FTLR5 for $5 off the 5k/10k when you register at www.boulderthon.org.
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!
Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.
Most endurance athletes are making the same critical fueling mistake. Let’s learn how to avoid it so you can perform the best.
Kelsey Bailey is the lead Performance Dietitian for Eternal, a company providing high performance, personalized healthcare to athletes. She spent 8 years with Special Operations and is also a consulting Performance Dietitian within the tactical space of military, fire, and police. Her areas of specialty include understanding the unique demands of today’s world on the body to keep people healthy, thriving and performing throughout their life. She also has a vested interest in endurance sport, allostatic load, traumatic brain injury, fertility, environmental exposures, and gastrointestinal health. She lives in Denver with her husband and three rambunctious little boys.
Jon chats with Kelsey about:
Kelsey's Military Background and Roles as a Dietitian and Mother
Transition to Working with Pro Sports (Baseball/Hockey)
Current Focus on Women's Health and Endurance Athletics
Nutrition Fundamentals That Shape Your Health
Navigating Social Media Misinformation
How Eternal’s Services Can Help Guide You on Your Health Journey
Stay connected:
Follow Kelsey:
https://www.instagram.com/bwellcolorado/
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.
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!
Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.
PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!
Don’t fall into the comparison trap as a runner!
Annie Frisbie is a professional runner for Puma and Minnesota Distance Elite. She trains with her team in Minneapolis and lives with her boyfriend and two dogs.
Jon chats with Annie about:
• Annie’s Training Mindset for Success
• What Makes a Good Running Shoe?
• Race Fueling & Nutrition Strategy
• How to Get Back on Your Feet After an Injury
• Evaluating the Current Running Scene
Stay connected:
Follow Annie on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/anniefrisb3?igsh=MWFveWh3eXV0aDZvOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
This episode is supported by:
Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!
Visit Leadville: So you think you know Leadville? Lake County has so much more to offer year-round than just the 100 miler in the summer. If you’re thinking of getting away, highly recommend booking a trip to Leadville to get up into the mountains, eat yummy food, and play outside. Check out more of what Leadville has to offer here!
Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase.
Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.
If you’ve ever considered running a global race series like UTMB, learn from the founders on why it’s so much more than a race.
Jon sits down with Michel and Catherine Poletti, the founders of the UTMB race series. They share their journey of starting and growing UTMB, along with essential business insights for organizing races. You won’t want to miss the philosophy that has been the foundation of their success.
Jon chats with Michel and Catherine about:
Early Challenges and Growth of UTMB
Expansion and Sustainability
The Global Trail Running Boom
Partnership with Ironman
Maintaining Control and Expanding Globally
Balancing Business and Community Values
Stay Connected:
Follow UTMB on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/utmbworldseries/?hl=en
UTMB’S Website:
This episode is supported by:
Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.
Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!
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.
Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.
What does it mean to TRULY be grateful for running and life?
Reid Burrows grew up in the small town of Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick, Canada. His endurance background is in the sport of triathlon. Upon leaving the pursuit of triathlon and chasing the Olympic dream, he fell in love with the trails and haven’t looked back since. In February of 2022, Reid quit his full-time job to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time professional trail runner. By the end of 2022, he was picked up by Merrell with his first professional contract. Reid currently lives and trains out of Leadville, Colorado.
Jon chats with Reid about:
Reid's Journey to Leadville
Inspiration from Rob Krar
The Importance of Story-Driven Brands
Navigating Government and Contract Pressures
Living and Training at High Altitude
Stay connected:
Follow Reid on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/reidburrows/
This episode is supported by:
Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase.
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.
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Go to tifosioptics.com and use code “HAPPY35” at checkout to save 35% (only on 8/15/25 until midnight PT). Otherwise, you can use code “FTLR2025” to save 20% anytime.
Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!
Let's break down what is so special about trail running and why more people need to experience it.
Vivek Gowri is a Product Manager at NVIDIA, where he leads initiatives in gaming and AI hardware. When he’s not shaping the future of tech, he’s out on the trails as a dedicated runner and advocate for diversity in the outdoor space. He brings a thoughtful perspective to the intersection of technology, endurance sports, and inclusion — bridging innovation with impact on and off the trail.
Jon chats with Vivek about:
Trail Running and the November Project
Building a Diverse Running Community
Inclusivity and Accessibility in Trail Running
Investing in Running Businesses
The Intersection of Tech and Running
Trail Running Innovations and Events
Stay connected:
Vivek on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekgowri/
This episode is supported by:
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!
PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!
Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.
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.
Eternal: Our newest partner and a company I'm also consulting for! Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.
Are you laying the right foundation for your nutritional health?
Rachael (Reddy) Wade is a runner, mom of two, and founder of Rx Nutrition. She ran for the University of Alabama, earned gold medals at the Pan American Games and USA Championships, and now helps others fuel for performance and life. As a registered dietitian with a doctoral degree in Public Health, Rachael specializes in sports nutrition, women’s health, and disordered eating. Whether she’s chasing her kids, counseling clients, or training for her next competition, Rachael is all about the long run — literally and figuratively.
Jon chats with Rachael about:
Transition to CrossFit and Hybrid Training
Research on Mental Health and Nutrition
Navigating Nutrition Advice
Women's Health and Disordered Eating
Balancing Life and Entrepreneurship
Stay connected:
Follow Rachael on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rachaelwade_/
Rx Nutrition Website:
https://www.rxnutritioncounseling.com/
Rachael's business Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rxnutritioncounseling/
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.
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!
PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!
Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.
Are you actually prepared for your next outdoor adventure?
Viktor Makarskyy is the Cofounder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of GOES Health where he is responsible for the product and engineering of their outdoor health platform. He is an avid runner living based in Los Angeles, where he’s currently training for a hilly marathon later this year in Japan. He checks the GOES app daily for real-time outdoor risks to help plan his runs, and GOES has helped him personally with everything from muscle cramps to impact injuries while running on trails.
Disclaimer: GOES is a sponsor of For The Long Run
Jon chats with Viktor about:
Viktor's Journey from Swimming to Running
The Essential Community and Structure that Running Provides
Focusing on Key Drivers to Achieve Your Goals
Pattern Recognition and Building Successful Habits
Enhancing Outdoor Safety with GOES Health
Stay connected:
Follow Viktor on Instagram:
Viktor on LinkedIn:
Check out GOES:
goes.health
This episode is supported by:
Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase.
Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.
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.
GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit. Use code 25FTLR30 for 30% off an annual GOES+ plan.
No matter where you’re at in your running journey, there’s a path for all of us.
Scott Jurek has been named one of the greatest runners of all time, claiming victories in nearly all of ultrarunning’s elite trail and road events. More than just a champion, Scott is a true student and ambassador of the sport, known to stay at finish lines cheering until the last runner crosses. When not racing, he donates his time to many non profit organizations and is an avid volunteer in the areas of environmental conservation, fitness and health.
Jon chats with Scott about:
Stay connected:
Follow Scott on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/scottjurek/
Scott’s website:
Scott’s book:
https://www.amazon.com/North-Finding-While-Running-Appalachian/dp/0316433799
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.
GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit. Use code 25FTLR30 for 30% off an annual GOES+ plan.
Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!
Emich Volkswagen : Visit https://www.emichvw.com/ before July 31, 2025 to lock in a great deal on a new EV!
Having doubts as a runner? Here’s how to reframe them.
Kristen Schindler is a mental performance consultant and endurance coach who helps athletes untangle their relationship with sport, self, and setbacks. She is currently completing her Master’s in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Western States and working toward CMPC certification. Kristen’s work is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Performance Coaching, Narrative Theory, and Cognitive-Behavioral principles with a belief that who we are in sport mirrors who we are in life. Drawing on over two decades of experience as both an elite trail runner and coach, she supports athletes in building resilience, values-based confidence, and sustainable performance. She works with individuals, teams, and organizations, helping them lean into discomfort, reframe failure, and write more honest, flexible stories about who they are both as athletes and humans.
Jon chats with Kristin about:
Kristen's running journey
mental performance and coaching
confidence and self-talk
defining your role in challenging times
empowering youth athletes
Stay connected:
Follow Kristen on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kristenaschindler/
Follow Integrated Stride Coaching on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/integratedstridecoaching/
Integrated Stride Coaching website:
This episode is supported by:
PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!
GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit. Use code 25FTLR30 for 30% off an annual GOES+ plan.
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.
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!
Visit Leadville: So you think you know Leadville? Lake County has so much more to offer year-round than just the 100 miler in the summer. If you’re thinking of getting away, highly recommend booking a trip to Leadville to get up into the mountains, eat yummy food, and play outside. Check out more of what Leadville has to offer here!
Want change in the way your races are organized? Then speak up about it!
Libby Jones is the owner and race director for The Active Joe, a race production company out of Dallas, Texas that focuses on the "average joes" out there getting active. She has directed running races for 17 years and currently produces trail and road running events 6 race days a year for The Active Joe. The company has a focus on affordable racing while providing opportunities to get active in a safe and inviting way for communities previously underrepresented in running.
Jon chats with Libby about:
● overcoming health challenges (Fibromyalgia)
● going from runner to race director
● diversity and inclusion in running
● efforts to include underrepresented groups
● challenges and progress in race directing
Follow Libby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libbyruns/
Follow Active Joe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theactivejoe/
Active Joe’s website: https://www.theactivejoe.com/
Active Joe on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheActiveJoe/
Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dinosaurvalley100/
This episode is supported by:
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!
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.
PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!
Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase.
When your motto is “young and fit,” what does it look like to train for Western States?
Hans Troyer is a 25 year old pro ultrarunner who set the course record at the Bandera 100k in 2024 and who finished second at the 2025 Canyons 100k, earning him a Golden Ticket to the Western States 100.
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This is a double-header episode hearing from two experienced pacers and crew members: Amelia Boone and Alex Hildebrandt. Both have experience successfully crewing and pacing elite athletes.
This episode was recorded in 2023, but is full of evergreen content!
In this episode we talk about:
-tips for assembling your perfect crew team, starting understanding your crew needs: logistics help, gear and nutrition, cheerleading, pacing, and more
-advice for crew members and things to discuss with your athlete, including logistics and crewing by bike
-dealing with DNFs, curveballs and different challenges faced by athletes and crew
-ultra pacing 101: pre race considerations, running etiquette, and real time responses
-navigating aid stations and race plans
Tune in to Episode 47 and Episode 97 to hear Amelia Boone’s previous appearances on the show.
Follow Amelia on Instagram @arboone11 and Alex @alex_hildebrandt and For The Long Run @forthelrpod
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/forthelongrun/support
Past guests on For The Long Run include: 177. Molly Seidel; 226. Mike "Kofuzi"; 228. Kara Goucher; 59. Shalane Flanagan; 234. Camille Herron; 198. Courtney Frerichs; 229. Jes Woods; 207. Tyler Andrews; 197. Dean Karnazes; 206. Katie Arnold; 220. CJ Albertson; 153. Joe Holder; 199. Kelly Roberts; 188. Gwen Jorgensen; 205. Emily Abbate; 209. Sara Vaughn; 174. Nick Bare; 97 Amelia Boone; 101. Courtney Dauwalter, 219. Dylan Bowman; 191. Matt Chittim; 200. David Roche; and more!
