For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Jonathan Levitt
  • 4.7 (401)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

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. A Shame-Free Look at Eating Disorders, Recovery, and Mental Health in Runners

    3D AGO

    A Shame-Free Look at Eating Disorders, Recovery, and Mental Health in Runners

    Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders.  Athletes face a lot of mental and physical pressure around fueling, so we need to break taboos. Kate Ringwood is a licensed therapist that specializes in eating disorders in athletes. Kate's personal experience navigating her own recovery while competing in cross country and track influenced her passion in helping others. Listen to hear about: Kate’s personal story of an eating disorder and then rediscovering her love for runningGetting back into training with less pressureReduce shame and stigma around eating disorders and body image issuesMisconceptions about athletes and eating disordersThe nuances of recovery, failure, and mental health in running Stay connected: Kate on Instagram: instagram.com/serendipity.counseling Kate’s website: serendipitycounseling.comFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com This episode is supported by: PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at www.puma.com.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. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit.

    44 min
  2. Blending Faith and Fitness after Sudden Cardiac Arrest with Dom Fusco

    MAY 2

    Blending Faith and Fitness after Sudden Cardiac Arrest with Dom Fusco

    This runner took a scary setback and turned it into a message of hope. Dom Fusco is a health and wellness creator, coach, endurance athlete, and community builder based in Austin, Texas. After surviving a sudden cardiac arrest in 2023, Dom made it his mission to help others strengthen their bodies, sharpen their minds, and deepen their faith to live healthier, stronger, and more purposeful lives. Listen to hear about: How Dom’s faith influences his running and fitnessDom’s experience with sudden cardiac arrestThe intersection of wellness and content creationDefining success beyond metrics Stay connected: Dom on Instagram: instagram.com/dominicfusco For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com This episode is supported by: Pillar: If you’re looking to step up your performance, check out PILLAR at TheFeed.com and use FTLR for 15% off your first purchase.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.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.PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at www.puma.com.

    49 min
  3. Designing the World’s First and Smartest Running Shoe: Avelo’s Founder Royi Metser

    APR 25

    Designing the World’s First and Smartest Running Shoe: Avelo’s Founder Royi Metser

    Royi Metser is the founder and CEO of Avelo, the company behind the world's first smart running shoe. Running changed Royi’s life in 2021 after a blood test was the kick in the butt he needed to make a change. Three days later he signed up for his first marathon. It was through his personal mission to improve at running that he decided to build a product to measure force and form and use the data to help runners improve performance and reduce risk of injury. Listen to hear about: ​How signing up for a marathon motivated Royi to start running again​How struggles with achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis made Royi curious about creating a product that measures data at the feet​Creating a smart running shoe and the challenges of building footwear, software, and hardware all together​Behind the scenes of Royi’s start-up, Avelo, the world’s first smart running shoe Stay connected: ​Avelo on IG: instagram.com/avelorunning ​For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod​Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt​Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.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.​PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at www.puma.com.​Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.Note about Avelo: I believe so strongly in what Avelo is doing that I’ve been advising the team behind the scenes for the last two years!

    55 min
  4. How to Build Your Confidence and Self-Compassion for Running with Certified Mental Performance Consultant Neal Palles

    APR 18

    How to Build Your Confidence and Self-Compassion for Running with Certified Mental Performance Consultant Neal Palles

    Want to build your mental strength and confidence before your next race? Neal Palles is an ultrarunning coach and a psychotherapist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant. Through his private practice, Colorado Psychotherapy and Sport Performance, he works with athletes who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or a performance related issue to help them focus on what matters. Listen to hear about: Jon’s performance and mentality at the Black Canyon 50kThe difference between confidence and self-compassionWhy failure should be normalized since it’s the first step toward learningSetting appropriate goals for the long haul (or run) Stay connected: Neal on Instagram: instagram.com/nealpalles and instagram.com/coloradopsychotherapyandsport For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com This episode is supported by: Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.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.PILLAR: If you’re looking to step up your performance, check out PILLAR at TheFeed.com and use FTLR for 15% off your first purchase.Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.

    1h 3m
  5. The Ultimate Guide to the Boston Marathon with George Woodward

    APR 16 · BONUS

    The Ultimate Guide to the Boston Marathon with George Woodward

    Boston is coming up next week, and to celebrate, we have a special bonus episode with you to give you the complete guide to the Boston Marathon experience with George Woodward. George Woodward is a father, data scientist, runner, and certified coach who came to running and racing late in life. Boston 2025 will be Marathon number 21 and Boston number nine.  He runs with the Somerville Road Runners in USATF events and runs for fun with November Project and the Heartbreakers. Running has allowed him to meet many fantastic people and has added richness to his life. Listen to hear about: The FULL race weekend experience How the Boston Marathon presents challenging experiences for all runners Pro tips for the Athlete Village A mile-by-mile preview of the course itself Helpful links: Somerville Road Runners Boston Marathon George’s Instagram George’s Threads

    43 min
  6. The Realities of Balancing Parenthood, Entrepreneurship, and Running with Jenny Jurek

    APR 11

    The Realities of Balancing Parenthood, Entrepreneurship, and Running with Jenny Jurek

    Family life in an athletic family can be a balancing act. Jenny Jurek is an avid runner and adventure seeker sharing her passion of the outdoors with her two young children and husband, Scott Jurek. After twenty years designing sustainable outdoor apparel, she recently launched her own business, “Always Up”, which offers performance products that empower parents to stay active during pregnancy and beyond. Listen to hear about: Camaraderie and community of running ultramarathonsNavigating athletic objectives while being a momWriting the book “North” with ScottHow a career in design and love for trail running complement each other Maintaining your own identity when your partner is a famous runner Challenges and rewards of raising kids in a place like Boulder, CO Stay connected: Jenny on Instagram: instagram.com/jureksontherunJenny on YouTube: youtube.com/@jureksontherunAlways Up Website: alwaysup.loveNORTH on Amazon amazon.com/North-Finding-While-Running-Appalachian/dp/0316433799For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com This episode is supported by: PILLAR: If you’re looking to step up your performance, check out PILLAR at TheFeed.com and use FTLR for 15% off your first purchase.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 FTLR10 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. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.

    58 min
  7. How Caitlyn Miller Went from Math Teacher to Runner and Owner of Expntl Athletics

    APR 4

    How Caitlyn Miller Went from Math Teacher to Runner and Owner of Expntl Athletics

    What does it take to build a passion-based activewear line? Caitlyn Miller is a 26 year old business owner and marathon runner. Caitlyn’s business, Expntl Athletics, specializes in activewear for distance runners.  Listen to hear about: How social media helped Caitlyn connect to audiences and build a brandNavigating the mental and physical aspects of a sacrum injuryDistinguishing between good and bad pain and learning to trust your body againThe vision and inspiration of Expntl AthleticsBringing authenticity and passion to entrepreneurship  Stay connected: Caitlyn on Instagram: instagram.com/caitlynmiller_fit/Caitlyn on Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@caitlynmiller_fitCaitlyn on Youtube: youtube.com/@caitlynmiller_fitFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.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.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at www.puma.com.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 FTLR10 for 10% off your purchase.

    1h 3m
  8. Lessons from Pro Golfer Scott Stallings on Training for the Boston Marathon

    MAR 28

    Lessons from Pro Golfer Scott Stallings on Training for the Boston Marathon

    Golfing might help your running more than you’d think. Scott Stallings is a 3x PGA Tour winner who earned the reputation as "The Fittest on Tour" due to his fitness-first lifestyle. In April, Scott will be participating in the 2025 Boston Marathon - his first-ever Marathon - while raising funds for and supporting Golf Fights Cancer, a non-profit organization that raises funds for cancer-related organizations and families living with the disease. Listen to hear about: Balancing a professional golf career, being a father, and training to run Golf’s attention to detail, preparation, and adaptation being similar to runningStarting from scratch with running Mental and physical challenges of training for the Boston Marathon The addictive nature of running and its community Stay connected: Scott on Instagram: instagram.com/scottstallingsSupport Golf Fights Cancer: golffightscancer.org/what-we-doFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.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 boulderthon.org.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at puma.com.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 FTLR10 for 10% off your purchase.

    54 min
See All (376)

4.7
out of 5
401 Ratings

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.

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada