From shattering age-group records before most kids knew how to pace a 400, to stepping onto the Olympic stage with grace, grit, and God-given speed, Brandon Miller’s journey is nothing short of electric.

At just 13 years old, he clocked a jaw-dropping 1:56 in the 800m. By 14, it was 1:51. A middle school phenom who didn’tjust peak early, he kept accelerating toward greatness.

High school? Dominant. Eight straight AAU Junior Olympic titles, Gatorade National Track Athlete of the Year, and mile splits that left jaws on the track.

Then came Texas A&M, where he stamped his name on the NCAA with an indoor 800m title, a World U20 best in the 600 (with a time of 1:15.49), and a bronze at Nationals. The breakthrough? Third place in the U.S. Championships in 2022. And by 2024, he was in Paris, not just to watch, but to compete with the best mid-distance runners in the world, reaching the semifinals in the 800m. 

Fast forward to this season, he’s now running professionally with the Brooks Beasts Track Club, under coach Danny Mackey, putting up wild numbers like a 1:43.52 in the 800, and a fresh 3:35.27 in the 1500. 

From a teenage prodigy to a global contender, Brandon’s story is about more than speed. So get ready to go beyond the stopwatch, as we chat with the mind that has shaped one of America’s most electrifying middle-distance talents.

In today's conversation, Brandon takes me through his mindset, lessons from training with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Josh Kerr, making the Olympics, growing up in a competitive household, his ambitions to medal at World's this year, and advice for the next generation.

This one is an all-timer. Don't miss one of my favorite conversations from this year. 

Tap into the Brandon Miller Special.

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If you follow ultrarunning, you’ve probably heard the name Caleb Olson recently. 

In 2025, he broke through in a big way, winning the Western States 100 in 14:11:25, the second-fastest time ever on that iconic course.

But his rise wasn’t sudden. 

Raised in the Seattle area, Caleb was an All-ASUN runner at Liberty University, with PRs of 3:51 in the 1500m and 29:11 in the 10,000m. He entered the ultra world in 2018 and has built his career on quiet consistency and smartcoaching.

Now running for the Nike ACG team, working full-time as a software developer, and adjusting to life as a new dad, Caleb is hitting his stride. In the last two years, he’s racked up major results. 

In 2023 he got his Golden Ticket at the Grindstone Ultramarathon; in 2024 he came in 5th at Western States in his debut, while also securing 2nd at the Madeira Island Ultra-Trail 85K; and then in 2025 he set a course record during his win at Transgrancanaria in a time of 12:17:25.

This led to his historic victory at Western States this past July.

Trained by Jack Kuenzle and shaped by a background in mountaineering and triathlon, Caleb has become one of the most versatile and mentally tough athletes on the trail scene today.

In today's conversation, Caleb takes me through his win at Western States, all that went into it, how he handles doubts and builds confidence, his crazy NIKE shirt he wore that broke the internet, being a new dad, what is next for him, and so much more.

Tap into the Caleb Olson Special.

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Pierce Showe is redefining what consistency, conviction, and calling look like in the world of ultra-endurance running.

He just broke the Guinness World Record for most consecutive half marathons on a treadmill—running 13.1 miles every single day for 125 days straight—and he’s here to talk about what it took, and why it mattered.

As a running coach and motivational content creator, Pierce is on a mission that’s as physical as it is spiritual.

Driven by faith, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose, he’s showing the world that you don’t need a podium to be powerful, you just need a reason that moves you.

But let’s be clear: Pierce has landed on those podiums, too.

His ultra-running resume speaks volumes: 1st place at the Miami 100 (100-mile race) in 21:23:00 (2024); 1st place at the Coyote Trail Run (50-mile trail race) in 9:54:59 (2023); 3rd place at the Blazin' Summer Sufferfest (54 km) in 6:12:06 (2024).

His personal records are strong: 21:23:00 for 100 miles; 10:41:48 for 100k; and 9:54:59 for 50 miles.

From battling dark mental stretches mid-race to climbing onto a treadmill before dawn, Pierce is here to share what keeps him grounded, what fuels his discipline, and how he's turning mileage into meaning.

From the trail to the screen, Pierce isn’t just building endurance, he’s looking to build impact.

And through every step, he proves that transformation doesn’t start with the legs.

It starts with belief.

In today's conversation, Pierce takes me through this wild endeavor and adventure, the crazy stories that come with breaking a world record, what comes next for him, why he wears a "Jesus is King" shirt, the power of consistency, and lessons he's learned along the way.

Tap into the Pierce Showe Special.

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Sondre Guttormsen not only cleared six meters, but he launched past expectations, limits, and borders, and is considered one of the best to ever do it in the world of pole vault.

He's a European champion, a two-time Olympian, a three-time NCAA champion, and one of the elite few in pole vault's six-meter club.

In 2023, he made history as the first-ever Norwegian to win the European Indoor Championships, clearing 5.80 m with zero misses. Two years later, he backed it up with a bronze medal at the 2025 European Indoors, going even higher at 5.90 m.

In the NCAA, he collected three titles (indoor champion in 2022 and 2023, and outdoor champ in 2022). In March 2023, he tied the collegiate indoor record at 6.00 m, joining the sport's most exclusive club.

He's competed on the biggest stage as well: a two-time Olympian, reaching the final in Paris 2024 and finishing 8th.

But that's just the surface.

He's been through his share of adversity on the way to the top. Fresh off that European gold, he flew 11,000 miles across time zones on no rest, and still tied the NCAA indoor record. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he suffered a quad injury during qualification, missing out on the final. Four years later, he came back stronger to make the final in Paris.

This is a front-row seat to one of the most relentless minds in track and field.

In today's conversation, Sondre walks me through his legendary career, the ups, downs, and everything in-between. Look, I know nothing about Pole Vaulting, so this was a masterclass in the sport from one of the best himself. Expect to learn all of the ins and outs of the sport and ways Sondre is trying to become one of the greatest to ever do it. 

Tap into the Sondre Guttormsen Special.

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PSA: the audio on this is weird. We have no clue why it's like this, but I would rather release then it never see the light of day.

He went from Rapid City to Hayward Field. 

From high school phenom to NCAA standout. 

And now, toeing the line with the best in the world, Simeon Birnbaum is bridging the levels in a way few athletes do.

In his return to the show, we catch up with Simeon just 24 hours after his electric 3:56.64 mile at the Prefontaine Classic—his first real taste of pro racing on one of the sport's biggest stages.

This isn't a rehash of what you already know. We're looking ahead: what it felt like lining up against Diamond League vets, how that race taught him more than any workout ever could, and why he's hungrier than ever to chase greatness at the highest level.

The journey that brought him here is important, though: like the 3:57.53 mile he ran as a high school senior (and the 3:59.51 he clocked as a junior), the 1:47.96 800m speed he still carries, and the 3:37.02 1500m PR he dropped this spring at Oregon Twilight. 

Add in his 13:31.87 5000m from Big Tens (a meet record), and you're looking at one of the most versatile young talents in U.S. distance running. He came in 7th in the 1500m at NCAA outdoors in June of 2025. 

From his days winning 13 South Dakota state titles and earning 2023 HS Boys Athlete of the Year, to bouncing back from early setbacks in his freshman year and finishing 3rd at NCAAs in the 1500m, Simeon's story is just getting started.

Whether you're a high schooler dreaming big or a fan of the sport tracking the next American great, this is the kind of conversation you'll want in your earpods for your next long run.

In today's conversation, Simeon gives me a deep dive look into his Sophomore year. We dicuss the tactics, training, and races that made it successful. We walk through his first-ever NCAA Outdoor Championships, running the Pre-Classic, and his ambitions for domination in the future.

Simeon Birnbaum is on the podcast. Don't miss it. 

Tap into the Simeon Birnbaum Special.

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This isn’t just a running interview. It’s a front-row seat to what greatness sounds like.

Josh Kerr is the reigning 1500m World Champion, an Olympic silver (Paris 2024) and bronze medalist (Tokyo 2020), and the fastest Brit of all time, stopping the clock at a jaw-dropping 3:27.79 in the 1500m at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

And his résumé doesn’t stop there. Josh’s current personal bests include: 3:27.79 in the 1500m outdoor (British record); 3:45.34 in the outdoor mile; 7:30.14 in the indoor 3,000m (Scottish indoor record) and 8:00.67 in the 2-Mile indoor short track (a World Best). 

From breaking NCAA records at the University of New Mexico to stunning the world in Budapest and Paris, Josh has built his career on intent, aggression, and an unshakable belief in his process.

He’s not about fluff. He’s about focus. And whether it’s skipping warmups or setting world bests, he’s never afraid to do it his way.

Josh has much to say about the mindset behind the medals, the rivalries that keep him sharp, and the hunger that still drives him, even while he’s already at the top.

He isn’t here to play it safe. He’s here to take over.

In today's conversation, Josh takes me deep into his mindset, chase for greatness, parts of his journey that go untold, his desire to be the best, rivalries, what you can do to become a better runner today, and so much more.

Tap into the Josh Kerr Special.

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Alex Ostberg is back to cut through the noise and get straight to what actually matters for smarter, healthier, and more effective training. 

This month’s theme? Train with awareness, not ego.

First, Alex wrote about not chasing gains at the expense of your body. Top athletes play defense first. Solid sleep, real food, and smart recovery aren’t optional, they’re non-negotiable. If you’re always flirting with injury, you’re not training. You’re barely hanging on.

Next, he examined the plate. If it’s low on carbs or protein, you’re killing your recovery and setting yourself up for a setback. What you eat says everything about how ready you are to train hard, and stay healthy doing it.

Then he wrote about the myth of precision. Pace, mileage, VO₂ max, macros…they’re helpful, but they’re not gospel. Training isn’t about hitting perfect numbers. It’s about responding to what your body’s telling you today.

To close out June, he examined how your body always speaks first. That tightness, that fatigue, that off mood? Don’tignore it. The best runners don’t push through red flags, they pivot.

One month, four takeaways, and one big truth: better results come from fewer mistakes. Let’s make training something that builds you up, not breaks you down.

In today's conversation, we break it all down. Don't miss the opportunity to become a better runner. 

Tap into the Alex Ostberg Rundown Special.

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Paityn Noe has gone from being an injury-plagued freshman to one of the NCAA's most electrifying distance runners, redefining success with speed, resilience, and purpose.

After a turbulent freshman year marked by injury and setbacks, Paityn didn't just bounce back, she transformed, clocking a blazing 31:36.91 to break Arkansas' 10,000m record, becoming All-American in the 10,000m and 5,000m outdoors,and finishing 4th at NCAA Outdoors.

Her resume reads like a breakout-year checklist: she ran 15:11.27 in the 5000m; 8:47.17 in the 3000m; she finished in 7th place at NCAA Cross Country Nationals; and she earned All-American honors in the 3,000m and 5,000m indoors.

But behind the accolades is a story of mindset, discipline, and a radically honest approach to fueling and recovery. 

Paityn has been candid about how embracing nourishment, faith, and joy became the foundation for her breakthrough. Now, she's on a mission to change how young athletes think about performance.

Paityn's discussion is equal parts blueprint and inspiration; an inside look at what it takes to turn adversity into acceleration.

In today's conversation, Paityn takes me through her NCAA performances from this indoor and outdoor seasons; her 7th place finishes at the 2024 NCAA XC Championships, handling setbacks/injuries her freshman year, her ambitions for the future, her thoughts on NIKE's Breaking4 project, and so much more.

Tap into the Paityn Noe Special.

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Andreas Almgren went from nearly quitting the sport to redefining European distance running.

The Swedish phenom’s career began with a 1:45.59 in the 800m before a cascade of devastating injuries nearly ended it all. We’re talking stress fractures, torn muscles, and years of physical setbacks that forced Andreas to rethink everything, from his training philosophy to his identity as an athlete.

What followed is one of the most remarkable reinventions in modern track history.

Andreas had to endure a mental and physical shift that included trading middle-distance intervals for long runs, double-thresholds, and five-hour bike weeks. The countless hours of work transformed him into a record-breaking force. 

His stats say it all: 3:32.00 in the 1500m (Swedish Record); 12:44.27 in the 5,000m (European Record); 26:52 in the 10,000m (Swedish Record); 26:53 in the road 10,000m (European Record); and 59:23 in the half marathon (becoming the first Swede under 60 min). 

Whether you're coming back from injury, building toward your breakthrough, or just chasing the edge of performance, this man showed one example of a blueprint for resilience, reinvention, and world-class excellence.

Andreas went from shattered bones to shattering records.

In today's conversation, Andreas takes me deep into his training, the double threshold method, how much he runs per week, what he eats, how slow his easy days are, and even lessons from training with Jakob Ingebrigtsen. We also dive into his recent race performances and his goals for the World Championships. 

Tap into the Andreas Almgren Special.

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Austen Dalquist is not your typical miler. 

He's an All-American from the University of Arkansas, a USATF Colorado Mile Champion, and a 3:41 guy in the 1500, but his journey hasn't been defined by times alone.

After battling personal health challenges, including an eating disorder and vocal cord dysfunction, Austen did what few dare to do: he stayed in the sport. He rebuilt from rock bottom, leaning on faith, community, and quiet resilience to stage a comeback that's as inspiring as it is unfinished.

Now as a pro based in Boulder, Austen is writing his most compelling chapter yet, running 1:48 for 800m, 3:53 in the mile, 7:45 for 3,000m, and 13:36 in the 5,000m. 

And it was all done in a single season!

In today's episode, we unpack his journey from high school prodigy to college standout, through setbacks and redemption, to where he stands now, which is on the cusp of his best chapters yet.

So whether you're running through a storm or chasing your own breakthrough, this one's for you. 

In today's conversation, Austen takes me through his radical new training system, joining Tinman Elite v2, setting PRs and what he attributes that to, how you can get faster, and so much more. Austen is the man. I always love my conversation with this guy. 

Tap into the Austen Dalquist Special.

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Lexy Halladay-Lowry is chasing the clock while rewriting the record books.

With an indoor mile PR of 4:31, a blistering 8:40 in the 3,000, and a sub-15 in both the indoor and outdoor 5,000m, Lexy is one of the fastest ever to do it in NCAA history.

She’s an 8-time All-American, a two-time NCAA cross country team champion, and the current No. 2 in the nation in the steeplechase after clocking 9:08 and finishing runner-up at the 2025 outdoor championships.

From breaking five minutes in the mile as a seventh grader in Idaho to rising through the NCAA ranks, she has been on a steady rise.

She was 14th in the 2025 cross country championships and 2nd and 3rd in this year’s indoor 5,000m and 3,000m.

She holds multiple school records at BYU, plays the violin, studies public health, and made history as the first NCAA runner to ink a NIL deal with Kiprun.

There is much to unpack with Lexy: her Olympic dreams, her process for building championship poise, and what it takes to keep rising when the pressure hits hardest.

In today's conversation, Lexy walks me through her remarkable NCAA performance, all that led up to that performance, inside her training and mindset with BYU, her plans for her future and turning professional, and so much more.

This is an inside look at one of the greatest to ever do it at the NCAA level for the steeplechase.

Tap into the Lexy Halladay‑Lowry Special.

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Hans Troyer is the epitome of raw talent meeting ruthless resilience.

From a near-collapse in the desert to record-breaking dominance, his story is one of fearless grit, second chances, and an audacious leap: from college steepler to 100K trail crusher.

In just over a year, Hans has gone from collegiate standout to ultramarathon phenom: winning national titles, smashing course records, and landing podiums at some of the biggest races in the U.S. 

He’s the 2024 USATF 50-mile national champion, a 2025 Canyons 100K Golden Ticket recipient, and a pro for Altra and Hyperlyte Liquid Performance. His PRs are wild: 3:19 in the 50k, 5:16 for 50 miles, and 7:45 for 100k.

But his life isn’t just one long highlight reel.

There’s the hospitalization that nearly ended his season. The comeback that turned heads. The quirky fueling rituals. And somehow, in between elite racing, he’s juggling grad school, coaching, and content creation.

The mini-documentary “The Kid” on YouTube captures the chaos, recovery, and relentless drive that define him, and is absolutely worth a watch. 

Hans is fast, fearless, and full of heart. And we’re pumped to have him on the show today.

In today's conversation, Hans takes me through his remarkable journey thus far as an ultra-marathoner; his wild training tactics include "car saunas", his goal to win Western States at just 25yrs of age, his ambitions for the future, his thoughts on Backyard Ultras and so much more.

Tap into the Hans Troyer Special.

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From humble hustle to steeplechase sensation, James Corrigan is rewriting the script.

Born in Los Angeles and now a force at Brigham Young University, James has quickly made his mark in the 3000-meter steeplechase. In just the past year, he placed third in the U.S. Olympic Trials, secured his Olympic standard in a last-chance race at the Penn Relays, represented Team USA in Paris, and most recently, he became the NCAA Championwith a blistering 8:16 performance.

We're looking at a mission-serving, faith-centered student of mechanical engineering who has managed to balance it all (Olympic pressure, NCAA podiums, and viral "Sunday Night Live" faith content) while staying grounded and inspiring a generation of young runners.

He juggles, he hurdles, and he races for something bigger.

This is the story of resilience, belief, and barrier-breaking speed.

James Corrigan is in The Running Effect house. And he's just getting started.

Let's get into it.

In today's conversation, James takes me through his NCAA title, his training leading into it, training with Olympic Medalist Kenneth Rooks, his mindset going into USA's, being married and a dad while in college, and much more.

This is an inside look into the mind of one of the best runners not just in the NCAA, but in the country.

Tap into the James Corrigan Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Sixty-one marathons in sixty-one days: From the southern border of Germany to the northern sea, Aleksander Lingauer covered the entire distance on his own.

No sponsors. No shortcuts. Just a backpack, a belief, and the stubborn will to see it through.

Aleksander is an endurance athlete and writer, and the mind behind Project 61, a solo mission to run the length of Germany, one marathon a day, for two straight months. 

But his story isn't just about distance, it's about what happens when no one's watching. About walking away from millions to protect something deeper. And about the kind of training no one puts on social media—the alleyway push-ups, the quiet breakdowns, the handwritten letters from the far edges of Europe.

He's now writing his first book, a raw account of his 419-day solo hike across the continent.

Alexander is taking the steps to explore the space where discipline meets obsession, where modern masculinity meets vulnerability, and what it costs to chase something real in a world that moves fast and forgets even faster.

If you're building something hard, trying to stay steady in the noise, or looking for proof that grit still matters, then this episode is for you.

Let's get into it. 

In today's conversation, Aleksander takes me through his wild physical adventures, what drives him to do these things, crewing the BPN Last Man Standing Race for Zach Pogrob and Kim, his ambitions for the future, and how to live for more.

Aleksander is 1 of 1. And this conversation was very introspective in the best of ways.  

Tap into the Aleksander Lingauer Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. 

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S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

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-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Today’s guest knows endurance—on the trail, in public service, and in life.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier of California has run 23 marathons, including Boston, New York, Napa, and even Paris.

A former lacrosse player turned lifelong runner, Mark once pursued a sub-3-hour marathon while simultaneously trying to bench press twice his bodyweight. He came heartbreakingly close—twice clocking a 3:04—and carried that same grit with him into politics, business, and recovery from a life-threatening illness.

In March 2020, Mark fell during a run in D.C. and sustained broken ribs. What followed was a terrifying cascade: a damaged spleen, undiagnosed pneumonia, organ failure, and five weeks in the ICU—four of them on a ventilator. 

His odds of survival? Just 10 percent; one doctor told his sons he wouldn’t make it. 

But he beat them.

Now serving in his 11th year in Congress, Rep. DeSaulnier brings that same sense of perseverance to his work on transportation, education, and mental health. He currently serves as Ranking Member of the House Ethics Committeeand is a senior member of the Education & the Workforce Committee.

But this episode isn’t about politics. It’s about what happens when we lace up and head out the door—what running teaches us, what it heals, and how it transforms who we are.

In today's conversation, Mark takes me through his running journey and pursuits, insights from his 23 marathons, running a 3:04 marathon back in the day, becoming known as the “running politician,” how he used to train back in the day, and how running saved his life - literally. 

Tap into the Representative Mark DeSaulnier Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

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-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

What drives a 23-year-old to run seven marathons... on seven continents... in just seven days?

Today’s guest isn’t just an endurance athlete—he’s a human experiment in grit, creativity, and storytelling. 

Wyatt Moss has run a marathon in all 50 states, built a woodworking business to fund the journey, and picked up over 100,000 followers along the way—not just for the miles he runs, but for the life he’s building while doing it.

In early 2025, Moss participated in the World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days. His completion times ranged from 4:18:48 to 6:35:22, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.

In 2024, Moss completed a marathon in each U.S. state within a single calendar year, culminating with the Honolulu Marathon in December. He financed this endeavor through his woodworking business and documented the journey on social media, amassing over 100,000 followers.

From blisters and jet lag to business strategy and content creation, Wyatt is a maestro in mental endurance and making your passion pay for itself.

In today's conversation, Wyatt takes me through his wild physical pursuits, his mindsets behind them, how he has become more self-aware, his wild experiences like running a marathon in every state last year and doing the World Marathon Challenge, and shares insights into his next biggest challenge.

This podcast is next level. 

Tap into the Wyatt Moss Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

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-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

What happens when you combine deep science with real-world results—and package it all in a way that actually makes sense to young athletes? 

You get Kelsey Poulter.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the founder of Next Level Athletes, a sports nutrition expert who has quickly become one of the most trusted voices in the performance space. With a background in Exercise Physiology and a skyrocketing online presence that’s grown from 2,000 to over 450,000 followers in just over a year, Kelsey is proof that authenticity, clarity, and results still win.

Kelsey is on a mission to help athletes—from high school hopefuls to pros in the MLB—turn food into a performanceweapon. She believes nutrition is wildly underutilized in sports and calls it the “separator” that most athletes are missing. 

Kelsey likes to talk about how elite outcomes require elite actions—often the boring, consistent ones no one wants to talk about. In this episode she dives into the real difference between eating for general health and eating for performance, why sugar and carbs are absolutely essential for athletes, and how to rethink popular nutrition trends like skipping breakfast, cutting out food groups, or obsessing over seed oils. 

Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or an athlete chasing your potential, this episode is packed with perspective-shifting advice that can help you level up—without losing your mind.

Tap into the Kelsey Poulter Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

He broke the barrier—and the sport felt it.

Quentin Nauman is back on the pod in the final episode of our Festival of Miles series—a fitting finish to a week that reminded us just how far the sport is moving.

Just days ago at the HOKA Festival of Miles, Quentin lined up against the top high school milers in the country and ran 3:58.65—joining the elite ranks of sub-four athletes and pushing the ceiling of what high school runners can do. 

It wasn’t just a win. It was a cultural moment in high school track.

This year has been something different. Sub-four miles are no longer mythical, they're happening. But Quentin’s not just following the wave. He’s setting it.

Earlier this season, he became the first high school athlete in U.S. history to run sub-1:50 in the 800 and sub-4:00 in the 1600 at the same meet. That’s not progression. That’s a shift in what young athletes believe is possible.

What’s fueling this surge in high school distance running? What does it mean to carry the weight of a generational leap? And where do we go from here, now that the old limits are falling?

This isn’t just a fast kid running fast. This is a flashpoint in the evolution of the sport and Quentin Nauman is right in the middle of it.

In today's conversation, Quentin takes me through a race that will define him and his legacy for years to come. We dive into the BTS of the 2025 FOM and Quentin's legendary performance, where he won in 3:58 in a 54 close; we talk about the rest of his season, his ambitions for the future, including breaking Alan Webb's record, and more. 

Tap into the Quentin Nauman Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

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-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Recorded live. Fueled by the energy of the crowd. Powered by HOKA.

Straight from the Big River Running Company in Missouri on June 4th, this special episode of the podcast captures the excitement, energy, and anticipation just one night before the iconic HOKA Festival of Miles.

We sit down with four of the sport’s most compelling figures: Olin Hacker – NCAA champion turned pro who thrilled fans with his powerful closing speed in previous Festival races; Krissy Gear – Steeplechase star known for her fearless racing style, who brought the heat to this meet with memorable performances in the past; Brandon Miller – A local favorite and middle-distance standout whose past runs at the Festival showcased both talent and heart in front of his hometown crowd; and Colleen Quigley – Olympian and St. Louis native who’s been a longtime supporter and star attraction of the Festival, using this stage to inspire the next generation.

Whether you're a die-hard track fan or just tuning in, this episode sets the stage for one of the most exciting nights in distance running.

Tap into the Live Festival of Miles Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

What does it take to run for 28 hours straight?

To go beyond exhaustion—when your body gives out and only your will is left?

Alyssa McClellan knows.

She’s a former elite CrossFit athlete, a mother of four, and an ultra-endurance machine. At the Go One More Last Man Standing Ultra, Alyssa ran nearly 120 miles in just under 28 hours, outlasting every other woman and placing fourth overall. No pacers. No excuses. Just pure grit.

But her story doesn’t start there.

Before ultra running,  Alyssa competed at the highest levels of CrossFit, ranking 252nd in the world and 156th in the U.S. at the 2018 Open. Her numbers speak for themselves: 320-pound back squat; 236-pound clean and jerk; 340-pound deadlift and 196-pound snatch.

Now, she’s bringing that same fire to the ultra scene—trading barbells for blisters and short bursts for soul-crushing distance. And she’s doing it all while raising four boys.

This episode goes deep into the pain cave—the place where most people quit and Alyssa keeps going. We talk aboutmental toughness, comebacks, and what it really means to show up, suffer, and choose to keep moving.

No fluff. No finish line. Just raw endurance.

Let’s go.

In today's conversation, Alyssa takes me through her 28 hours of pain, how she kept pushing when things got difficult, training for these endevours as a wife and mother, her ambtions for the future, and so much more.

Tap into the Alyssa McClellan Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W  N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz