For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Jonathan Levitt
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  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated. Running is a sport that has the power to unite us all and we are here to share conversations about how running has shaped the lives of people within our community, as well as how running has created community in itself. From pro runners and Olympians to ultramarathoners running their first big race to business owners who use running to improve their entrepreneurial journey, we believe in creating community and expanding the running world for all. Hosted by running enthusiast, Jonathan Levitt.

  1. From Gambling Addiction to Ultra Marathons: How Running Saved Terence Gerchberg

    2 DAYS AGO

    From Gambling Addiction to Ultra Marathons: How Running Saved Terence Gerchberg

    Success in running often comes from hitting rock bottom. This was the case for Terence Gerchberg, who transformed his gambling addiction into a mission to help others find their footing, one mile at a time. In the words of Terence, “Running changed and saved my life. Today, I have the privilege of helping others do the same through Back on My Feet, a national nonprofit that transforms the lives of those experiencing homelessness and addiction through the power of running and community.” Jon chats with Terence about: overcoming gambling addiction through running  Back on My Feet nonprofit mission ultra running and Leadville race attempts community support in running groups  finding purpose through helping others his definition of success (not money) Stay connected: Follow Terence: https://www.instagram.com/coachamazing/ Back on My Feet: Backonmyfeet.org This episode is supported by: Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN. RACE Cancer Let's hold each other accountable and create momentum together in the new year by committing to at least one mile a day through RACE Cancer's Winter Challenge. Go to app.winterchallenge.org and use code “FTLR” and join our team!

    53 min
  2. Don’t Fall for Sports Nutrition Myths: Stevie Lyn Smith on How to ACTUALLY Fuel for Your Next Race

    26/12/2025

    Don’t Fall for Sports Nutrition Myths: Stevie Lyn Smith on How to ACTUALLY Fuel for Your Next Race

    If you're taking three-hour naps after long runs or showing up to marathons with just three gels, this episode will change how you think about fueling. Stevie Lyn Smith is a Registered Dietitian and avid endurance athlete. As a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics she combines her passion for endurance athletics with evidence-based nutrition practices to help individuals reach their health and performance goals. As an ultra-endurance athlete with 10 Ironman finishes under her belt, she understands firsthand the crucial role nutrition plays in both performance and everyday life. When she’s not swimming, biking, or running you can find her outside exploring new trails with her dog or trying new recipes in her kitchen. Jon chats with Stevie about: changes in sports nutrition over the past 8 years pre-run fueling and arguments against fasted training Stevie's personal race day fueling strategy for her Buffalo Marathon caffeine's role as a performance tool (including dosage recommendations) the importance of blood testing for endurance athletes to catch issues early the role of qualified healthcare providers in interpreting results for athletes Stay connected: Follow Stevie: https://www.instagram.com/stevielynlyn/ Stevie’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Up-Womans-Winning-Nutrition/dp/1068830298/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1USHPG8HQ8HEM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aDxH8aRMat-Bi1wNFTeV6g.jMIoFHsW2RjNyV9ZBGGyKYQ-9-CKEBmvuLkHnUn9P_E&dib_tag=se&keywords=stevie+lyn+nutrition&qid=1760971348&sprefix=stevie+lyn+nutritio%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-2 Stevie’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-fuel-with-sls/id1746341651 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! PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop! 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. Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN.

    1h 5m
  3. Joe Corcione’s Exact Formula for Mental Toughness and Overcoming Limitations

    19/12/2025

    Joe Corcione’s Exact Formula for Mental Toughness and Overcoming Limitations

    From a hesitant podcaster to coaching 200+ athletes in two years, Joe Corcione reveals why indecision kills more dreams than lack of knowledge, and how one simple rule changed everything.  Joe Corcione is an Ultrarunning Coach, Ultrarunner, Host of The Everyday Ultra Podcast, and CEO of Everyday Ultra Coaching. From going from zero running background to placing top 10 at Tahoe 200 and top 10 at Javelina Jundred 100 miler, along with completing over 20+ ultras, Joe's mission is to help others become the best ultrarunners they can be; no matter where they are starting from. Jon chats with Joe about: the "just start" philosophy business growth and Everyday Ultra race selection for mental toughness his upcoming Desert Peak Ultra race how setting limits in life is holding you back Stay connected: Follow Joe: https://www.instagram.com/joecorcione/ Everyday Ultra Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-ultra/id1600327047 Everyday Ultra Coaching: theeverydayultra.com Desert Peak Ultra: desertpeakultra.com This episode is supported by: 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. 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! Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN

    1 hr
  4. How Mike Wardian Runs the World While Running a Business

    12/12/2025

    How Mike Wardian Runs the World While Running a Business

    What do you get when you cross a full-time international ship broker, a world-class endurance athlete, and a dad who's planning to row across the Atlantic? You get Mike Wardian. Today we're diving into how he manages to excel at everything while never losing his curiosity for the next adventure. Mike Wardian is a multifaceted endurance athlete who describes himself as a husband, father, international ship broker, business owner, full-time professional athlete and a vegan adventurer. Mike has been a sponsored athlete since 2002, for 23 years, and has worked with both endemic running brands and non-endemic sponsors like T-Mobile, with whom he has partnered since 2017. His extensive travel through running has taken his family to 33 countries across all seven continents, providing his two sons Pierce (18) and Grant (16) with extraordinary global experiences. Mike’s adventurous spirit extends far beyond traditional racing. He has completed numerous ambitious projects including seven marathons in seven continents in seven days, running across the country, and completing the Appalachian Trail. Recently, he set a record in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, competing in 45 events over three weeks and winning 40 medals in activities ranging from running events to Scrabble, swimming, pickleball, and even golf. He's already planning his next major challenge: rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 2027. Jon chats with Mike about: his career of running 180 marathons and 143 ultra marathons how he races 40-50 times per year running seven marathons in seven continents in seven days "invisible training" concept which minimizes impact on family life cultural observations and travel tips Stay connected: Follow Mike: https://www.instagram.com/mikewardian/ https://www.mikewardian.com/ 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! 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. Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link! Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN

    56 min
  5. The Science Behind Travel Performance and Health Optimization with FlyKitt Founder, Andrew Herr

    05/12/2025

    The Science Behind Travel Performance and Health Optimization with FlyKitt Founder, Andrew Herr

    What if I told you that 93% of people can travel anywhere in the world with minimal to no jet lag - and it has nothing to do with melatonin or light therapy? Andrew is the Founder of FlyKitt, a breakthrough travel protocol built for high performers from the battlefield to the boardroom, who demand peak output under any condition. Whether leading a team, competing at the highest level, or making critical decisions, showing up sharp post-flight is non-negotiable. But out of the 10 million+ people who fly daily, few know the kind of toll it takes on the body. Jet lag, inflammation, dehydration, gut issues, joint pain, poor metabolism, brain fog — the risk is real and long-lasting.  Jon chats with Andrew about: how travel affects health and athletic performance and can increase inflammation the correct way to deal with jet lag the challenges of delivering personalized health insights at scale specific supplements and nutrients used to combat travel-related inflammation compression socks, nerve stimulators, and other tools to improve travel experience Stay connected: Follow Andrew: https://www.instagram.com/andrewherrbio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-herr/ FlyKitt: https://flykitt.com/ This episode is supported by: 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. Head to eternal.co and use the Black Friday offer while it’s live. That’s 25% off all plans. Your future self is going to be very happy you did this, and feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions! 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. 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!

    44 min
  6. How Jenn Lichter Became a Trail Running Powerhouse

    28/11/2025

    How Jenn Lichter Became a Trail Running Powerhouse

    From a Colombian orphanage to professional trail running champion, Jenn Lichter's story proves that sometimes the hardest journeys lead to the most extraordinary destinations. Jenn Lichter is a 29-year-old professional trail runner who competes primarily in distances ranging from marathon to 50-mile races. Born in Bogota, Colombia, she grew up in an orphanage before being adopted at nine years old and moving to La Crosse, Wisconsin. Her trail running career took off after working as a hiking guide at Glacier National Park, where she discovered her passion for mountain running during her off days. In September 2021, she competed in The Rut, her first major trail race, which led to her being discovered by The North Face team manager Esther. She signed with The North Face in 2022 and has been with the brand since. Lichter has achieved significant success in her professional career, winning races like Broken Arrow (setting a course record in 2022) and Speedgoat, where she placed second after taking a wrong turn. She won the 2024 Broken Arrow 46K and notably won a beer mile competition between Broken Arrow and Western States that same year. Beyond running, Lichter identifies as an artist, describing art as her "first true love". She enjoys baking, cooking, gardening, and DIY projects. Currently, Lichter is preparing to debut her first 100K race at Black Canyon, marking a step up from her established success in the 50K distance. She is sponsored by The North Face and Tailwind Nutrition and works with agent Kelly Newlon to manage her professional career. Jon chats with Jenn about: victories at Broken Arrow and other races how Jenn handles suffering and discomfort during races by honoring past training efforts the role of curiosity in Jenn's approach to running and exploration recovery from eating disorders and partnership with Tailwind nutrition approach to authentic brand partnerships and social media presence Stay connected: Follow Jenn: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlichter/ 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! 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. 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!

    1h 11m
  7. Ryan Montgomery on Unlocking a Mind, Body, and Environmental Connection Through Professional Running

    21/11/2025

    Ryan Montgomery on Unlocking a Mind, Body, and Environmental Connection Through Professional Running

    While most professional athletes choose between excellence and everything else, what happens when you refuse to pick just one lane? Ryan Montgomery’s impressive resume includes over 50-60 ultra marathons, with 17-18 of those being 100-mile events, demonstrating their particular affinity for the longest distances the sport offers. Currently balancing a professional running career with graduate studies in strategic sales management, Ryan exemplifies the modern multi-dimensional athlete. He's also a Team Janji athlete and passionate advocate for inclusivity in trail running, organizing annual retreats for the queer running community. Jon chats with Ryan about: revisiting Ryan's running journey and ultra marathons mind-body connection in trail running managing injuries and recovery strategies balancing multiple professional roles successfully LGBTQ+ advocacy in running community Stay connected: Follow Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/ultra.ryan/ 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! 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. 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.

    57 min
  8. Aisha Praught Leer’s Three Key Elements of Creating a High-Performing Team

    14/11/2025

    Aisha Praught Leer’s Three Key Elements of Creating a High-Performing Team

    From cheerleader to two-time Olympian - discover the 'secret sauce' that transformed an accidental runner into a world champion. Aisha Praught Leer is a two-time Olympian and holds seven national records for Jamaica, most notably as a gold medalist in the steeplechase at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She is a founding member of Team Boss in Boulder, CO, and a community organizer, an advocate for the world's best athletes as a member of the World Athletics' Athletes Commission, and works full-time in tech.  Jon chats with Aisha about: having a process vs. outcome focus the three key elements of creating high-performing teams  training and racing with elite athletes like Emma Coburn and Usain Bolt the transition to corporate work (making 150 cold calls per week) training in altitude and the local running community in Boulder Stay connected: Follow Aisha: https://www.instagram.com/aishapraughtleer/ 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! 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. 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. For November: Use code FTLR 2026 for 10% off any race for 2026. You’re not going to want to miss Boulderthon in 2026!

    38 min
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About

Exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated. Running is a sport that has the power to unite us all and we are here to share conversations about how running has shaped the lives of people within our community, as well as how running has created community in itself. From pro runners and Olympians to ultramarathoners running their first big race to business owners who use running to improve their entrepreneurial journey, we believe in creating community and expanding the running world for all. Hosted by running enthusiast, Jonathan Levitt.

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