For today’s show we’re welcoming back a voice that should be familiar to longtime listeners, assistant coach at Bowerman TC and former RC coach Alex Ostberg.

Alex is a seven-time All-American who holds PRs of 3:58 in the Mile, 7:49 in the 3k, and 13:18 in the 5k.

He’s back today to share training secrets from working with the fastest runners on the planet, including:

• What are the most important training principles for runners of all levels
• What is the role of a coach in getting the best out of their athletes
• How Alex’s coaching philosophy has changed over time
• Why you should think twice before trying to mimic the training of elite athletes like the Bowerman TC team

If you’re curious what it’s like to coach world-class runners and what you can learn from them, then you’ll really enjoy this conversation with Alex Ostberg.

Connect, Comment, Community

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This week’s show brought to you by:

Previnex Greens

It’s not surprising that gut health is one of the primary issues we face as runners.

As any runner who hits the road or trail and constantly fears having to go to the bathroom can attest to, it’s not a fun issue to deal with.

That’s why we’ve recently switched from AG1 to Previnex Gut and Greens Superfoods.

Gut and Greens Superfoods are loaded with some of the most well-researched and science-supported gut and GI boosting ingredients, such as Solnul, and GutGuard.

Solnul is clinically studied, multi-function fiber that repairs gut lining to support optimal digestion and GI health.

GutGard is a clinically researched, flavonoid-rich, natural bioactive that supports reducing inflammatory markers, increasing gut integrity, and balancing the gut microbiome.

So if you’ve struggled with gut problems on the run, head to runnersconnect.net/greens to check out Gut and Greens Superfoods and see the difference for yourself.

To make it a no-brainer, you can use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order and they offer a 100% money back guarantee.

Today, we’re here to make your next marathon decision a little easier by breaking down the best and fastest marathons out there.

Let this episode be your marathon guide in 2025 with topics including:

• How to choose the right marathon for you
• What makes some marathons faster than others
• How to research potential races
• What are our favourite American and International marathons

There’s nothing like the feeling of running 42.2km with excited crowds cheering you on and then crossing the finish line to a new personal best.

Today, we’ll be your guides for finding your next marathon in 2025 or to give you some ideas for future races.

Find My Marathon search tool: https://findmymarathon.com/

Running the USA Race Finder: https://runningintheusa.com/

Some US Marathons mentioned on the show:

• Houston Marathon
• Mesa Marathon
• Woodlands Marathon
• LA Marathon
• Eugene Marathon
• Grandma’s Marathon
• Chicago Marathon
• Philadelphia Marathon
• Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
• California International Marathon (CIM)
• The Marathon Project

Connect, Comment, Community

• Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram
• Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!
• Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community
• RunnersConnect Facebook page
• GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT!

This week’s show brought to you by:

Lagoon

Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery.

Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more.

And the data on sleep improvement isn’t only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.

If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top

Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that’s perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you’ll also save 15% off your purchase.

MAS Iron

Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.

Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance.

The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize.

In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed.

But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance.

By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market.

In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%.

Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

If you get sick, your body probably needs rest but how do you know how much rest to take and when to get back to normal training?

This cold and flu season is the perfect time to prepare yourself since getting sick can be unavoidable.

In this episode of the show we’ll answer questions like:

• How to know if you’re too sick to run
• How to adjust your training while you’re sick and after recovering
• Whether running can impact the chances of you getting sick
• What to do if your symptoms linger after recovering from being sick

A lot of runners will get sick at some point during the winter so make sure you know how to respond if you suddenly find yourself feeling under the weather.

Previous podcast about whether to run through sickness: https://runnersconnect.net/running-interviews/should-you-run-when-sick-when-not-to-run-and-how-to-modify-your-training/

Connect, Comment, Community

• Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram
• Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!
• Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community
• RunnersConnect Facebook page
• GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT!

This week’s show brought to you by:

MAS Iron

Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.

Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance.

The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize.

In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed.

But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance.

By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market.

In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%.

Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

The New Year is the perfect time to set nutrition goals. Eating well will give you more energy for workouts and help with recovery.

The nutrition team at Metpro is once again joining Run to the Top with topics like:

• Why nutrition goal-setting is important for athletes
• How to set an effective New Year’s goal or resolution
• Why you might actually need to eat more if you have a goal to lose weight
• Why snacking is such a powerful tool for runners
• How to tailor your nutrition to your personal metabolism and goals

Healthy eating is super individualistic and will vary by person. That’s why it’s important to set goals that are specific and relevant to your lifestyle.

So if you want to run your best in 2025, it all starts with setting the right goals to fuel the hard workouts that get you there.

To learn more about MetPro:

Website: https://metpro.co/

Email: denniis@metpro.co

Instagram: @proco

• Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram
• Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!
• Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community
• RunnersConnect Facebook page
• GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT!

This week’s show brought to you by:

Lagoon

Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery.

Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more.

And the data on sleep improvement isn’t only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.

If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top

Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that’s perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you’ll also save 15% off your purchase.

MetPro

Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.

Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.

MetPro’s coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they’re empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.

Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt

For Lena Andersson, running is about more than health and fitness. It’s a way to see the world that she’s sharing through her tour company Go! Running Tours.

Go! Running Tours is a global tour provider that connects traveling runners with like-minded locals who are passionate about sharing their culture.

During this conversation, Lena chats about the story behind this tour group including:

• What it’s like to take part in a running tour
• How Lena traded in her corporate job to start a global running company
• What are Lena’s favorite places in the world to run
• How running culture differs across cities
• How to make running a part of your vacation outside of racing

Running tours are a great way to see the world that’s better for the environment and local cities.

Go! Running Tours started with a dream of showing people around Copenhagen but you’ll hear how it transformed into a global agency with 50+ destinations. If you’re a lover of running or travel then you’re going to want to hear her story.

Go! Running Tours

Website: gorunningtours.com

(Use Code GRTxRunnersConnect10 for 10% off any running tour)
IG: @gorunningtours
Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/492052

Lena’s contact info:
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/11107411
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-runs-the-world/

• Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram
• Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!
• Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community
• RunnersConnect Facebook page
• GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT!

This week’s show brought to you by:

Previnex Greens

It’s not surprising that gut health is one of the primary issues we face as runners.

As any runner who hits the road or trail and constantly fears having to go to the bathroom can attest to, it’s not a fun issue to deal with.

That’s why we’ve recently switched from AG1 to Previnex Gut and Greens Superfoods.

Gut and Greens Superfoods are loaded with some of the most well-researched and science-supported gut and GI boosting ingredients, such as Solnul, and GutGuard.

Solnul is clinically studied, multi-function fiber that repairs gut lining to support optimal digestion and GI health.

GutGard is a clinically researched, flavonoid-rich, natural bioactive that supports reducing inflammatory markers, increasing gut integrity, and balancing the gut microbiome.

So if you’ve struggled with gut problems on the run, head to runnersconnect.net/greens to check out Gut and Greens Superfoods and see the difference for yourself.

To make it a no-brainer, you can use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order and they offer a 100% money back guarantee.

MetPro

Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.

Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.

MetPro’s coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they’re empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.

Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt

This athlete spotlight features two incredible athletes who each recently won the Muleskinner 50 miler. The kicker though, is that these co-champions are a mother and son due!

Bethany and TJ are a true family of runners and you’re going to love hearing about their story including answers to questions including:

• Why they picked the Muleskinner 50 miler to compete together
• How Bethany recovered from taking a wrong turn during the race
• How TJ finds time for running and 4-6 strength sessions per week while studying business full-time and working
• What training looked like for each of them leading up to race day
• Why Bethany and TJ love running so much
• What other races they have planned and whether other members of the family might be catching the running bug

If you’re a longtime listener, you’ll know that the RC spotlight is all about celebrating the accomplishments of runners just like you who are doing incredible things. Bethany and TJ might not be pros, but they have a dedication and love for the sport that’s sure to inspire.

If you’re looking for a feel-good story with a happy ending you’ve come to the right place. Tune-in and hear how this family translated hard work and love for the sport to some amazing success on the trails.

• Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram
• Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!
• Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community
• RunnersConnect Facebook page
• GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT!

This week’s show brought to you by:

Manukora Honey

Are you looking for a delicious way to spice up your pre-run snacks and make them healthier?

Then you need to try Manukora honey.

Not only is it hands-down the best honey I’ve ever tasted, Manukora Honey contains powerful nutrients to support immunity and gut health.

The bees collect the nectar from the Manuka tea tree in New Zealand. The nectar is packed with bioactives and the honey that is produced has 3 times more antioxidants and prebiotics than your average honey.

A special antibacterial compound called MGO also comes from the nectar of the tea tree.

Manukora third party tests every single harvest for MGO and makes these results available through their QR system.

It’s a game changer, and all you need is 1 heaped teaspoon each morning to get the most out of the amazing bioactives in Manuka.

I love it in the morning before my runs and I’ve found myself craving it as I wake up.

Now, it’s easier than ever to try Manukora Honey. Head to manukora.com/RTTT to get $25 off the Starter Kit, which comes with an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook!

LMNT

Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.

That’s why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.

Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.

To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

Winter is coming, and that means you may be doing the majority of your training in the dark and cold depending on where you live. You don’t have to let sunlight limit your training though!

This episode is about how to get the most out of winter training; from a safety perspective and performance perspective.

This includes answering questions such as:

• How your body reacts differently to running in the dark and cold
• How to dress on your runs for better visibility and warmth
• How to train safely before sunrise or after sunset
• How to structure winter training while working towards a goal Spring race
• When to throw in the towel and move your training inside

There’s a time and place for training inside or skipping your run but we know it’s way more fun to keep your training going. Make sure you’re doing this safely and tune-in to find out how.

• Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram
• Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month!
• Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community
• RunnersConnect Facebook page
• GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT!

This week’s show brought to you by:

Manukora Honey

Are you looking for a delicious way to spice up your pre-run snacks and make them healthier?

Then you need to try Manukora honey.

Not only is it hands-down the best honey I’ve ever tasted, Manukora Honey contains powerful nutrients to support immunity and gut health.

The bees collect the nectar from the Manuka tea tree in New Zealand. The nectar is packed with bioactives and the honey that is produced has 3 times more antioxidants and prebiotics than your average honey.

A special antibacterial compound called MGO also comes from the nectar of the tea tree.

Manukora third party tests every single harvest for MGO and makes these results available through their QR system.

It’s a game changer, and all you need is 1 heaped teaspoon each morning to get the most out of the amazing bioactives in Manuka.

I love it in the morning before my runs and I’ve found myself craving it as I wake up.

Now, it’s easier than ever to try Manukora Honey. Head to manukora.com/RTTT to get $25 off the Starter Kit, which comes with an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook!

Previnex Greens

It’s not surprising that gut health is one of the primary issues we face as runners.

As any runner who hits the road or trail and constantly fears having to go to the bathroom can attest to, it’s not a fun issue to deal with.

That’s why we’ve recently switched from AG1 to Previnex Gut and Greens Superfoods.

Gut and Greens Superfoods are loaded with some of the most well-researched and science-supported gut and GI boosting ingredients, such as Solnul, and GutGuard.

Solnul is clinically studied, multi-function fiber that repairs gut lining to support optimal digestion and GI health.

GutGard is a clinically researched, flavonoid-rich, natural bioactive that supports reducing inflammatory markers, increasing gut integrity, and balancing the gut microbiome.

So if you’ve struggled with gut problems on the run, head to runnersconnect.net/greens to check out Gut and Greens Superfoods and see the difference for yourself.

To make it a no-brainer, you can use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order and they offer a 100% money back guarantee.