The 1% Better Runner with DLake

Daren DLake
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This is a podcast about how runners can live better lives through consistent self-improvement.Unlike other running brands, The 1% Better Runner focuses on how small, daily habit improvements ripple into broader life success, helping runners perform better both on and off the road, track, or dirt.I’m Daren DLake: Certified running and nutrition coach, Sub-3-hour marathoner and 10-hour Ironman finisher.Since 1996, I’ve been helping other self-coached runners, researching, and experimenting on how to better myself 1% each day.A few times a week, I’ll drop how I’m tweaking my training, sticking to habits when life’s messy, and cool stuff from coaches and health pros. It’s a no-BS cheat sheet for building better habits—not just for running, but for work, relationships, and personal growth too.Join thousands of other committed runners listening to the most exciting run and endurance sports content on the internet and get more tactics and strategies in your inbox each week.Bonus - Get my free 30-day base and habits training plan when you sign up for the free newsletter here.PS - Podcasting is very "1-way," so let's fix that. Hit us up if you have any feedback, want to collaborate, or just wanna tell me about your training. On Instagram @dlakecreates or talk@dlakecreates.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. How I'm Getting Faster Without Doing Long Runs

    10 HR AGO

    How I'm Getting Faster Without Doing Long Runs

    Long runs aren’t always the thing that makes you faster. Sometimes they’re the very thing holding you back. If you’ve been stuck in that frustrating cycle of pushing harder, running longer, and still feeling slower or constantly beat up, this episode will shift how you think about training. I break down why stepping back from traditional long runs—especially in the off-season—can actually unlock better speed, stronger aerobic fitness, and more consistent progress. You’ll learn how smarter volume, intentional recovery, and strategic cross-training work together to keep you healthy while still building race-ready endurance. More importantly, I walk you through how to apply these changes in a practical way so you can train hard without burning out or breaking down. Key TakeawaysCapping long runs during certain phases reduces injury risk while still maintaining endurance. The goal is to stay consistent enough to actually improve, not just survive training.Instead of aggressive jumps, focus on gradual 3–5% progressions that keep the body fresh for quality workouts. Recovery is the secret weapon behind better speed.Adding low-impact aerobic work supports endurance while protecting the legs. It’s a simple way to keep building your engine without digging a deeper fatigue hole.Timestamps[00:15] What You'll Learn[01:05] Change 1: I Replaced Long Runs with Smarter Volume[03:10] Use This to Run Injury Free[03:47] Change 2: The 3-5% Rule Kept Me Fresh[04:31] Change 3: Cross-Training Unlocked Base Without the Damage[07:39] How to Really Run Long Runs When You're ReadyLinks & Learnings📈 Get Your Free Avoid Injury and Run Faster Training Plan Here: https://dlakecreates.com/basefree🎧 Listen, Read and Learn More Here: https://dlakecreates.com/nolongrunWhat Runners Get Wrong About Long Runs: https://dlakecreates.com/how-to-do-long-run/I Ranked Every Cross-Training Workout for Runners: https://dlakecreates.com/run-specific-cross-training-guide/Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min
  2. Best Running Shoes 2026 (Not What You Think)

    4 DAYS AGO

    Best Running Shoes 2026 (Not What You Think)

    What if the flashy carbon-plated shoe you just bought is actually slowing you down on your daily runs? Most runners think getting faster starts with buying better shoes, but the real shift happens when you understand which shoes to buy, when to buy them, and how each one fits into your training. In this episode, I break down a simple three-tier system that helps you run stronger, lower injury risk, and stop wasting money on hype pairs that don’t match your current fitness. You’ll walk away knowing how to structure your shoe rotation, when to upgrade, and how to use each pair with intention so every run feels smoother and more purposeful. Key TakeawaysMost runners buy shoes in the wrong order and end up wasting money on pairs they rarely use. Starting with the right everyday shoe builds comfort, durability, and consistency first.Rotating different types of shoes helps reduce injury risk because each pair stresses the body in a slightly different way. It’s not about one perfect shoe, it’s about having the right mix.Speed and race shoes should only come after you’ve built mileage and consistency. Saving them for key workouts and race day keeps them effective and extends their lifespan.Timestamps[00:26] What You'll Learn[01:16] The Mistake[01:59] The Science[02:32] The 3 Running Shoes You Need[04:15] Know What Shoe to Use on Each Run[05:12] Second Shoe You Add: The Fun One[06:32] Third and Last Shoe You Buy: The Weapon[08:11] The Brand Examples[09:03] Use This to Pick the Right Shoes for Your Next Training BlockLinks & Learnings📈 Get Your Free 3-Shoe Rotation Guide & Training Plan Here: https://dlakecreates.com/shoerotationfree🎧 Listen, Read and Learn More Here https://dlakecreates.com/3shoesAll Brands Shoe Rotation - https://www.instagram.com/p/DLl2IzwMEMh/?hl=enThe Super Shoe Trap (With Science Fix): https://dlakecreates.com/max-cushion-running-shoes/Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 min
  3. Your Marathon Plan Is Backwards - Here’s the Correct Order

    17 FEB

    Your Marathon Plan Is Backwards - Here’s the Correct Order

    What if the reason your easy runs feel hard is because you’re doing too much, too soon? Marathon training can feel overwhelming when every run type seems important and everything feels hard at once. In this episode, I break down the simple structure behind effective marathon training and explain why most runners struggle not because they lack effort, but because they train in the wrong order. I walk through the three run types that quietly build most of your fitness, why they matter more than speed work early on, and how following the right sequence helps you stay healthy, consistent, and confident all the way to race day. Key TakeawaysMarathon training works best when it follows a clear order, starting with easy runs, long runs, and threshold work before adding speed. Skipping this order is one of the fastest ways to get injured or burned out.Easy runs and long runs are not filler workouts. They build the aerobic base that lets your body recover, adapt, and handle harder training later.Speed work only helps once your foundation is solid. Without a base, harder workouts create damage faster than your body can rebuild.Timestamps[00:34] What You'll Learn[01:47] The Problem[04:10] Use This To Crush Your Next Marathon[05:17] The Solution: How To Sequence The 16 Weeks[07:35] Run Type #1: The Easy Run[09:41] Run Type #2: The Long Run[14:05] Run Type #3: The Threshold Run[18:27] Find Out What Level Marathoner You AreLinks & Learnings📈 Get Your Free Marathon Training Plan Here: https://dlakecreates.com/marathonfree🎧 Listen, Read and Learn More Here https://dlakecreates.com/marathon3runsRun Farther… Without That ‘Why Am I Dying?’ Feeling: https://dlakecreates.com/base2The Only 4 Workouts You Need To Run Faster For Longer: https://dlakecreates.com/4x4Why Low Heart Rate Running Is Not Working for You (Yet): https://dlakecreates.com/lowhrBreath Nose vs. Mouth? Most Runners Pick The WRONG One: https://dlakecreates.com//nosevmouthUse VDOT Calculator to get training paces and race estimates https://dlakecreates.com/vdotUse this to learn how to run better long runs https://dlakecreates.com/longrunUse this to improve your lactate threshold - https://dlakecreates.com/lactate1wtfInstagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  4. Breath Nose vs. Mouth? Most Runners Pick The WRONG One

    13 FEB

    Breath Nose vs. Mouth? Most Runners Pick The WRONG One

    Easy runs don’t fail because you’re unfit. They fail because you’re breathing wrong and running them too hard. Most runners think breathing is simple, but it’s one of the biggest reasons easy runs stop working. In this episode, I break down the real difference between nose breathing and mouth breathing, why neither one is “better,” and how using the wrong one at the wrong time quietly ruins your training. I explain what’s actually happening in your body, why easy days are supposed to feel easier than you think, and how a small change in breathing can help you slow down, build a stronger aerobic base, and get more out of every run without adding more miles or intensity. Key TakeawaysBreathing through your nose during easy runs filters and moistens your air, helping your body use oxygen more efficiently. It also forces you to slow down to the correct, easy pace that truly builds your fitness.Mouth breathing is best for hard workouts and racing because it delivers oxygen faster when intensity is high. Using it on easy days often leads runners to train too hard without realizing it.Most runners struggle not because they train too little, but because they run their easy days too fast. Learning when to use nose versus mouth breathing helps protect the aerobic base that makes long-term progress possible.Timestamps[00:15] What You'll Learn[01:06] What Most Runners Believe[01:59] What The Data Actually Shows[04:32] Use This To Nose Breathe On Your Next Run[05:31] Real World Example Of How Much Air You Can Breathe[06:41] Start Nose Breathing Today[07:13] Why This Is So Important[08:04] Do These 4 Other Things to Breathe EasierLinks & Learnings📈 Get Your Free 30-Day Base Training & Habits Plan Here: https://dlakecreates.com/basefree🎧 Listen, Read and Learn More Here: https://dlakecreates.com/nosevmouthGet Early Access to The 1% Better Runner Book here: https://dlakecreates.com/bookaccessytMost Runners Breathing Wrong - Fit it in 5 steps: https://dlakecreates.com/breathingInstagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min
  5. If I Started Running In 2026, Here’s What I’D STOP DOING

    10 FEB

    If I Started Running In 2026, Here’s What I’D STOP DOING

    You’re not broken, slow, or lazy. You’re probably repeating one small mistake that’s quietly holding you back. If you feel like you’re doing everything right but your pace won’t improve, this episode breaks down why that keeps happening. I walk through the most common training mistakes runners make when they self-coach, how those mistakes quietly lead to stalled progress or injury, and what actually moves the needle instead. This matters because effort alone doesn’t guarantee results, and small changes in how you train, recover, and think about progress can completely change your trajectory. By the end, you’ll know what to stop doing, what to adjust, and how to train with more confidence without burning yourself into the ground. Key TakeawaysTraining harder is not the same as training smarter. Most plateaus and injuries come from pacing mistakes, poor recovery, and pushing effort into the wrong places.Progress happens when stress and recovery are balanced. Easy days, gradual load increases, and proper rest are what allow the body to actually adapt and get faster.Comparison ruins consistency. Focusing on other runners or past versions of yourself leads to bad decisions that quietly derail long-term progress.Timestamps[00:14] What You'll Learn[00:57] Mistake #1: Start Races Too Fast[02:49] Mistake #2: Go Too Hard On Easy Days[06:12] Use This Free Thing To Run At A Lower Heart Rate[07:01] Mistake #3: Increase Volume/Load Too Fast[09:59] Mistake #4: Ignore Pain[11:26] Mistake #5: Skip Strength Training[12:57] Mistake #6: Not Rest Enough[15:18] Mistake #7: Expect a Best Time Every Race[17:15] Mistake #8: Compare Yourself To Other Runners (Or Your Past Self)[19:50] Use These 9 Things To Be Smarter Than MeLinks & Learnings📈 Get Your Free Increase Zone 2 HR Training & Habits Plan Here: https://dlakecreates.com/zone2free🎧 Listen, Read and Learn More Here: https://dlakecreates.com/8mistakesGet Early Access to The 1% Better Runner Book here: https://dlakecreates.com/bookaccessytTop 3 Things To Do When You Start A Race Too Fast: https://dlakecreates.com/top-3-things-to-do-when-you-start-a-race-too-fast/Why Low Heart Rate Running Isn’t Working for You (Yet): https://dlakecreates.com/lowhrDo You REALLY Need Rest Days? https://dlakecreates.com/runner-recovery-tips/The 9 Mistakes Holding You Back From Getting Faster: https://dlakecreates.com/9thingsInstagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
  6. Why Most Runners Do Vo₂ Max Intervals Wrong

    6 FEB

    Why Most Runners Do Vo₂ Max Intervals Wrong

    VO₂ max training isn’t about running harder, it’s about running at the right speed or you’re just wearing yourself down for nothing. If you’ve been doing “hard” interval sessions but still aren’t getting faster in your 5K, 10K, or marathon, you might be missing the real point of VO₂ max training—and wasting effort. In this episode, I break down exactly what true VO₂ max pace feels and looks like, why most runners get it wrong (even when they think they’re pushing hard), and how to dial in the right speed using free tools and recent race data—so your intervals finally deliver results without burning you out. Key TakeawaysTrue VO2 max training is about hitting a specific, fast pace, not just getting your heart rate into a certain zone. Using pace is the only way to guarantee you trigger the right adaptations.You must base your workout speeds on what you can run right now, not what you wish you could run. Using a goal pace that's too fast will ruin your workout and your progress.The magic happens in efforts under 5 minutes. Going longer lets lactic acid build up too much, which changes the entire purpose of the workout from improving VO2 max to just surviving.Timestamps[00:25] What You'll Learn[01:20] Vo2 Max Pace vs Vo2 Max Heart Rate[05:36] Use This to Improve Your Vo2 Max[06:22] How to Find Your Actual Vo2Max Pace[09:20] The Two Pacing Mistakes[11:09] Vo2 Max Myths Busted[13:40] Go Deeper on Vo2 Max with ThisLinks & Learnings📈 Get your free Increase Vo2Max Training Plan here: https://dlakecreates.com/vo2maxfree🎧 Listen, read and learn more here: https://dlakecreates.com/notvo2maxThis Free Tool Will Change How You Train VO2 Max Forever: https://dlakecreates.com/vdotThe Only 4 Workouts You Need To Run Faster For Longer: https://dlakecreates.com/4x4Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  7. Stop Stretching Before Runs—Do This 7‑Minute Routine Instead

    3 FEB

    Stop Stretching Before Runs—Do This 7‑Minute Routine Instead

    Stop stretching before your run. You're not preventing injuries; you're draining the very power and spring your muscles need to perform at their best. Ever feel like your pre-run routine might be working against you? For decades, we've been told that stretching is the golden rule before hitting the pavement. In this episode, I dig into the surprising science that flips that script on its head. You'll learn why that static stretching ritual could be sapping your power, discover what you should be doing instead to wake up your muscles and nervous system, and get a clear, simple plan to transform how you prepare your body to run faster and feel better from the very first step. Key TakeawaysDitch the static stretch before your run. It doesn't prevent injuries and it makes you weaker. Switch to a dynamic warmup instead.Flexibility and mobility are not the same. Flexibility is passive stretching; mobility is active, controlled movement. Runners need mobility.Stretch after your run, not before. Your muscles are warm then, which is the right time to gently work on long-term flexibility.Timestamps[00:22] What You'll Learn[01:08] What Is Flexibility vs Mobility[02:16] Why We Started Stretching Pre Runs?[03:17] What Should You Do Instead of Static Stretching?[04:45] Use This to Warm Up the Smart Way[05:33] What About Post-Run Stretching?[07:44] What the Science Says[08:39] Why Runners Need Stiffness, Not Looseness[10:25] Use This to Warm Up Smarter Links & Learnings📈 Get your free warmup the smart way training plan - https://dlakecreates.com/warmupfree🎧 Listen, read and learn more here- https://dlakecreates.com/stretchingThe 7 Minute Run Warm-Up That Actually Works - https://dlakecreates.com/warmupInstagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min
  8. Fix This One Thing and Running Gets Way Easier

    28 JAN

    Fix This One Thing and Running Gets Way Easier

    What if the reason your runs feel heavy and awkward has nothing to do with fitness and everything to do with how often your feet hit the ground? If you’ve ever felt like running takes more effort than it should, or if you’re tired of shin splints, knee pain, or just feeling clunky on your feet, you might be overlooking one simple but powerful number: your cadence. In this episode, I break down what cadence really is, why it matters more than you think, and how to adjust it in a way that actually sticks without risking injury. You’ll walk away knowing how to measure it, what range makes sense for your body, and the smart, sustainable way to improve it over time. Key TakeawaysCadence is how many steps you take per minute. A smoother, quicker rhythm helps your foot land under your body, reducing impact and making running feel easier.Don't jump straight to a high number. Aim to increase your steps per minute by just 3-5% at a time over weeks and months so your body can safely adapt.Forget the myth that everyone needs 180 steps per minute. The real goal is to find a cadence that makes your stride smoother and wastes less energy at your own pace.Timestamps[00:16] What you'll learn[01:03] What Cadence Actually Is (and Why It Matters)[01:33] What Happens If Cadence Is Low[02:49] How to Measure Your Cadence Today[03:46] Understanding The Science Behind Improving Cadence[04:16] Use This To Increase Your Cadence[05:20] The Smart Way To Increase Cadence[08:54] What to Avoid When Increasing Cadence[11:51] Use these 17 Tips To Increase Your Cadence The Smart WayLinks & Learnings📈 Get your free Increase Cadence & Habits Plan here: https://dlakecreates.com/cadencefree🎧 Listen, read and learn more here: https://dlakecreates.com/cadencenew3 Easy Tips to Fix Your Run Form in 7 Minutes - https://dlakecreates.com/overstridingHow To Use Spotify, Music & DJ Mixes To Run With Higher Cadence - https://dlakecreates.com/cadencemusicMost Runners Are Doing A-Skips Wrong (Are You?) - https://dlakecreates.com/askipsWhy Pro Runners Do This But You Don’t? - https://dlakecreates.com/strideswithmeRun Cadence Ultimate Guide - https://dlakecreates.com/improve-running-cadence-tipsInstagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    13 min
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About

This is a podcast about how runners can live better lives through consistent self-improvement.Unlike other running brands, The 1% Better Runner focuses on how small, daily habit improvements ripple into broader life success, helping runners perform better both on and off the road, track, or dirt.I’m Daren DLake: Certified running and nutrition coach, Sub-3-hour marathoner and 10-hour Ironman finisher.Since 1996, I’ve been helping other self-coached runners, researching, and experimenting on how to better myself 1% each day.A few times a week, I’ll drop how I’m tweaking my training, sticking to habits when life’s messy, and cool stuff from coaches and health pros. It’s a no-BS cheat sheet for building better habits—not just for running, but for work, relationships, and personal growth too.Join thousands of other committed runners listening to the most exciting run and endurance sports content on the internet and get more tactics and strategies in your inbox each week.Bonus - Get my free 30-day base and habits training plan when you sign up for the free newsletter here.PS - Podcasting is very "1-way," so let's fix that. Hit us up if you have any feedback, want to collaborate, or just wanna tell me about your training. On Instagram @dlakecreates or talk@dlakecreates.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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