For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Jonathan Levitt

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. Treadmill to Leadville: Pierce Showe on Breaking Records and Breaking Barriers

    14 HR AGO

    Treadmill to Leadville: Pierce Showe on Breaking Records and Breaking Barriers

    What if you accomplished everything you wanted, but still felt empty? Pierce Showe is in the business of extreme discipline — a language spoken by the world’s top performers. He spent the early part of his career as the right hand to Super Bowl champion Steve Weatherford before stepping fully into his calling as a faith-driven endurance athlete and coach. He’s completed multiple 100- and 200-mile ultramarathons, an Ironman, and an Ultraman — pushing human limits with grit, purpose, and an unshakable faith in God. Most recently, Pierce broke the Guinness World Record for most consecutive treadmill half-marathons (153 days) to raise awareness for healthier school meals and the broken food system in America. While Pierce’s faith is central to his life and message, his experiences and insights resonate with both faith-based and secular audiences. Whether speaking to entrepreneurs, athletes, or personal growth communities, he tailors each conversation to inspire action, build discipline, and help listeners push past their perceived limits. Today, he helps high-achieving entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday athletes run the race set before them — physically, mentally, and spiritually — through the same principles of discipline, consistency, and faith that have shaped his life. Jon chats with Pierce about: How Faith Grounds Pierce in Life, Running, and Business How he broke a Guiness World Record His second time running the Leadville 100 His passion for addressing problems with the US Food System His Locked-In Mental Approach to Succeed in Races Stay connected: Follow Pierce: Instagram: instagram.com/pierceshowe YouTube: youtube.com/@pierceshowe Website: www.runyourrace.com This episode is supported by: 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. 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. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical. Pike’s Peak: Mark your calendars for September 19-21, 2025 for coverage of the Pike’s Peak Ascent and Marathon. Join us in-person or follow along on the For The Long Run Youtube channel! Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. ⁠Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase.  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.

    58 min
  2. Grand Traverse Race Recap and Career Updates with Emily Holland

    12 SEPT

    Grand Traverse Race Recap and Career Updates with Emily Holland

    What happens when you quit your corporate job, go all-in on entrepreneurship, and decide to run 40 miles through the Colorado mountains? Today we're diving into how major life changes and epic trail adventures go hand in hand. Having recently ran the Grand Traverse race with Emily, we dive into the details of the race experience, as well as other exciting life/career updates since Emily was last on the podcast in January. Jon chats with Emily about: ​Life Updates and New Ventures​Grand Traverse Race Logistics and Challenges​Pacing, Low Points, and the Final Miles​Future Plans and Reflections Stay connected: Follow Emily: https://www.instagram.com/emilylaurelholland/ My Membership Community: findmyhuddle.com This episode is supported by: PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop! 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. Pike’s Peak: Mark your calendars for September 19-21, 2025 for coverage of the Pike’s Peak Ascent and Marathon. Join us in-person or follow along on the For The Long Run Youtube channel! Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off half marathon or FTLR5 for $5 off the 5k/10k when you register at www.boulderthon.org. Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link! 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. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.

    1h 21m
  3. Your Guide to Performance Nutrition and Blocking Out the Noise with Kelsey Bailey

    5 SEPT

    Your Guide to Performance Nutrition and Blocking Out the Noise with Kelsey Bailey

    Most endurance athletes are making the same critical fueling mistake. Let’s learn how to avoid it so you can perform the best. Kelsey Bailey is the lead Performance Dietitian for Eternal, a company providing high performance, personalized healthcare to athletes. She spent 8 years with Special Operations and is also a consulting Performance Dietitian within the tactical space of military, fire, and police. Her areas of specialty include understanding the unique demands of today’s world on the body to keep people healthy, thriving and performing throughout their life. She also has a vested interest in endurance sport, allostatic load, traumatic brain injury, fertility, environmental exposures, and gastrointestinal health. She lives in Denver with her husband and three rambunctious little boys. Jon chats with Kelsey about: Kelsey's Military Background and Roles as a Dietitian and Mother Transition to Working with Pro Sports (Baseball/Hockey) Current Focus on Women's Health and Endurance Athletics Nutrition Fundamentals That Shape Your Health Navigating Social Media Misinformation How Eternal’s Services Can Help Guide You on Your Health Journey Stay connected: Follow Kelsey: https://www.instagram.com/bwellcolorado/ This episode is supported by: 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. Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link! 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. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical. PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!

    1h 12m
  4. Use This Mentality to Get Through Injury: Annie Frisbie on How to Achieve Your Running Goals

    29 AUG

    Use This Mentality to Get Through Injury: Annie Frisbie on How to Achieve Your Running Goals

    Don’t fall into the comparison trap as a runner! Annie Frisbie is a professional runner for Puma and Minnesota Distance Elite. She trains with her team in Minneapolis and lives with her boyfriend and two dogs.  Jon chats with Annie about: • Annie’s Training Mindset for Success • What Makes a Good Running Shoe? • Race Fueling & Nutrition Strategy • How to Get Back on Your Feet After an Injury • Evaluating the Current Running Scene Stay connected: Follow Annie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniefrisb3?igsh=MWFveWh3eXV0aDZvOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr This episode is supported by: Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen! Visit Leadville: So you think you know Leadville? Lake County has so much more to offer year-round than just the 100 miler in the summer. If you’re thinking of getting away, highly recommend booking a trip to Leadville to get up into the mountains, eat yummy food, and play outside. Check out more of what Leadville has to offer here! Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. ⁠Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase.  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. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.

    54 min
  5. More Than a Race: UTMB Founders Michel and Catherine Poletti Discuss the Trail Running Boom

    22 AUG

    More Than a Race: UTMB Founders Michel and Catherine Poletti Discuss the Trail Running Boom

    If you’ve ever considered running a global race series like UTMB, learn from the founders on why it’s so much more than a race. Jon sits down with Michel and Catherine Poletti, the founders of the UTMB race series. They share their journey of starting and growing UTMB, along with essential business insights for organizing races. You won’t want to miss the philosophy that has been the foundation of their success. Jon chats with Michel and Catherine about: Early Challenges and Growth of UTMB Expansion and Sustainability The Global Trail Running Boom Partnership with Ironman Maintaining Control and Expanding Globally Balancing Business and Community Values Stay Connected: Follow UTMB on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utmbworldseries/?hl=en UTMB’S Website: https://utmb.world/ This episode is supported by: 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. Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen! 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. 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. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.

    1h 7m
  6. How Reid Burrows Prioritizes Mental Health as a Professional Trail Runner

    15 AUG

    How Reid Burrows Prioritizes Mental Health as a Professional Trail Runner

    What does it mean to TRULY be grateful for running and life? Reid Burrows grew up in the small town of Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick, Canada. His endurance background is in the sport of triathlon. Upon leaving the pursuit of triathlon and chasing the Olympic dream, he fell in love with the trails and haven’t looked back since. In February of 2022, Reid quit his full-time job to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time professional trail runner. By the end of 2022, he was picked up by Merrell with his first professional contract. Reid currently lives and trains out of Leadville, Colorado.  Jon chats with Reid about: Reid's Journey to Leadville Inspiration from Rob Krar The Importance of Story-Driven Brands Navigating Government and Contract Pressures Living and Training at High Altitude Stay connected: Follow Reid on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reidburrows/ This episode is supported by: Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. ⁠Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase.  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. Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Go to tifosioptics.com and use code “HAPPY35” at checkout to save 35% (only on 8/15/25 until midnight PT). Otherwise, you can use code “FTLR2025” to save 20% anytime. Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!

    47 min
  7. Nature is for Everyone - Breaking Trail Running Stereotypes with Vivek Gowri

    8 AUG

    Nature is for Everyone - Breaking Trail Running Stereotypes with Vivek Gowri

    Let's break down what is so special about trail running and why more people need to experience it. Vivek Gowri is a Product Manager at NVIDIA, where he leads initiatives in gaming and AI hardware. When he’s not shaping the future of tech, he’s out on the trails as a dedicated runner and advocate for diversity in the outdoor space. He brings a thoughtful perspective to the intersection of technology, endurance sports, and inclusion — bridging innovation with impact on and off the trail. Jon chats with Vivek about: Trail Running and the November Project Building a Diverse Running Community Inclusivity and Accessibility in Trail Running Investing in Running Businesses The Intersection of Tech and Running Trail Running Innovations and Events Stay connected: Vivek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekgowri/ 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! PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop! 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. 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. Eternal: Our newest partner and a company I'm also consulting for! 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. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.

    46 min
  8. Laying the Foundation for Your Nutritional Health with Dietitian, Rachael Wade

    1 AUG

    Laying the Foundation for Your Nutritional Health with Dietitian, Rachael Wade

    Are you laying the right foundation for your nutritional health? Rachael (Reddy) Wade is a runner, mom of two, and founder of Rx Nutrition. She ran for the University of Alabama, earned gold medals at the Pan American Games and USA Championships, and now helps others fuel for performance and life. As a registered dietitian with a doctoral degree in Public Health, Rachael specializes in sports nutrition, women’s health, and disordered eating. Whether she’s chasing her kids, counseling clients, or training for her next competition, Rachael is all about the long run — literally and figuratively. Jon chats with Rachael about: Transition to CrossFit and Hybrid Training Research on Mental Health and Nutrition Navigating Nutrition Advice Women's Health and Disordered Eating Balancing Life and Entrepreneurship Stay connected: Follow Rachael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaelwade_/ Rx Nutrition Website: https://www.rxnutritioncounseling.com/ Rachael's business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rxnutritioncounseling/ This episode is supported by: 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. Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link! PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop! 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. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.

    43 min

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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