While it has been longer than I would have liked for me to write another post since my last one, I'm finally back again with (hopefully) some useful information that you can use toward improving as a runner.
The focus of this post is how to draw inspiration and knowledge from others. I will mostly be focusing on one method I use for this and relate it to ideas on getting you through this time of year known as winter, which usually challenges us on maintaining our running due to shorter days, colder temperatures, etc.
I've faced this difficulty myself with starting a new job, and working many hours between my two jobs. Mix in the colder temps lately and you'll see why my desire to progress my running has been a slow process. That doesn't mean it isn't possible to focus on other aspects of running!
Whenever I'm not running, this winter I have been turned to podcasts to inspire me to get out there and continue with my running despite days when I simply don't feel like lacing up my running shoes. There are tons of podcasts out there on running and in this post I'll share the ones I've found to be the most helpful and why. My theory is that while I may not be out there running as much in the winter and gaining muscle power, I might as well grow my brain power and learn from what others are putting out there. There is the added bonus that all this content and information in these podcasts is of course free! What better price is there than free? So I encourage you to take a listen to some of the podcasts I mention or find some others—whatever you personally find that works for you. My listing is just a suggestion, and admittedly many are geared toward distance running. That's what I find interesting, covers the type of information I aspire to learn, and the type of running that I aspire to achieve. However within these podcasts are lots of information that can be applied to your running regardless of how far you're running. Just find what you like and is geared toward your goals!
So here is where I'll start my list:
Trail Runner Nation– This is my favorite trail running podcast. I'd say it is my favorite because of the variety of topics covered in their episodes. While some podcasts cover similar topics in the same format, this one really mixes up the topics. The other thing I really like about this podcast is it's geared toward both newbies and experienced trail runners—something that some of the other podcast don't do. Many are geared toward hard core trail runners. You have to start small though before becoming hard core and this is a great podcast to get your elementary education or to take your trail running knowledge to the next level. Interviews with both runners and medical experts, discussions on the culture of trail running, nutrition, hydration, and race preparation are all topics covered by the hosts—which by the way are all trail runners themselves. This podcast does touch upon ultrarunning, but many of the tips are universal and can be applied even if you have no desire to run long distances.
Marathon Training Academy– You might think to yourself— "I'm not training for a marathon, so why would I want to listen to this?" For the same reason I state in my description of some of the other podcasts, it's simply because the content that is delivered in this podcast can be applied to your running regardless of distance—and I think this podcast really excels at that aspect! This podcast is a great place to start if you've never listened to running podcast before. This is easily one of my favorite running podcasts! I think I've listened to every single episode of this podcast (and they've produced over 150 episodes), mostly since the husband and wife hosts provide such a positive vibe in their deliverance of their material. The positivity and common sense approach they deliver their content is what keeps me listening. From beginner to experienced runner, listeners are treated to a great variety of topics covered and material that is applicable no matter where you are in your running. Many episodes focus on training tips but there are several episodes of interviews, which are equally as informative if not even more inspiring. If I had to suggest only one podcast for you to listen to, this would be the one!
UltraRunner Podcast– This podcast is geared toward ultrarunners, as the name implies, and many episodes are interviews with some of today's elite ultrarunners. I find the interviews intriguing since it gives insight as to what makes the best participants in the sport tick when it comes to distance running. A lot of great insight can be obtained on the mental aspect of toughing it out on races or when you're having a bad running day when listening to these elites being interviewed. I find the techniques and tips provided like gathering pieces of a puzzle and thus being able to see the entire picture—it's like having everything at your disposal as you're training for your own race! My theory is you can never have too many training tips—and you're bound to find them on this podcast. If you desire do learn about distance running, this is a great podcast to add to your list.
Talk Ultra– If you're not into ultrarunning and running long distances, then I doubt this podcast will interest you as much as the others do. If you do aspire to get into distance running, as I do, then this is another good one to listen to. It gives a lot of race reviews, which is likely a hit or miss with listeners, considering ultramarathoning is such a niche sport. Nonetheless, there's some interesting info in some of these episodes.
DC Rainmaker– If you're into technology as it relates to running, or cycling or general fitness, then this is the podcast for you. Reviews of running watches and fitness bands from manufacturers like Garmin, Polar, Fitbit, etc. are just a few of the items discussed on this podcast. If wifi scales and cycling power meters are on your shopping list, then you'll likely find info on them as well. Learn about sports technology industry trends and you'll be on your way to spending your money wisely for your tech gear. Head on over to his blog at www.dcrainmaker.com. While this podcast is OK, I love his blog which contains plenty of in-depth reviews with lots of photos each product being reviewed. If you've never been to the dcrainmaker.com blog, you don't know what you're missing!
Well, I hope this list is helpful to you. In conclusion, at the very least I hope this post serves as inspiration for you to find something to fill your time or give you something to listen to while you're out there running on the roads or trails. Like I said, find what works for you! If you do find a great podcast out there that you feel is above the rest, feel free to leave a reply and let me know what you found! And as always, feedback on this blog is always welcome and appreciated.
