For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Jonathan Levitt
  • 4.7 (425)
  • 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. Shea Aquilano's Journey from Imposter Syndrome to Nike Athlete

    5H AGO

    Shea Aquilano's Journey from Imposter Syndrome to Nike Athlete

    There's a common misconception in ultra running that it's all about toughness, but Shea Aquilano believes gentleness is more important. Shea currently resides in Boulder, CO and focuses on ultra-distance trail events. At 24, she is a 2x US Mountain Running team member, and pro runner for Nike ACG. Shea loves a good pickle and has a knack for rationalizing almost any experience into a good one. Jon chats with Shea about: setting intentional pre-race goals and success definitions pursuing longer trail running distances over shorter formats moving to Colorado for mountain training opportunities joining supportive running communities and trail teams maintaining joy as central motivation in competitive running Stay connected: Follow Shea: https://www.instagram.com/shea_aq/ The Trail Team: https://www.trail-team.com/ This is episode is supported by: AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at https://us.amazfit.com/discount/FTLR2026 and use code “FTLR2026” for 10% off Precision Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com

    41 min
  2. How Running Saved a Veteran’s Life: Finding Purpose in Ultras

    FEB 6

    How Running Saved a Veteran’s Life: Finding Purpose in Ultras

    From suppressing emotions as a military veteran to finding freedom on Colorado trails, here’s how Jonathan Mejia discovered that running isn't just exercise, it's therapy in motion. He came to Colorado after film school when the stars aligned and he conquered his first marathon. He’s now looking to take on his first ultra in 2026. Jonathan talks about: Running as freedom and a therapeutic escape His military background influencing mental health journey What inspired developing a consistent running habit The trail running community Building ultramarathon goals Stay connected: Follow Jonathan Mejia: https://www.instagram.com/goodvibesjon/ Team RWB: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-set-your-next-big-hairy-audacious-goal-with/id1453616436?1=1000676194617 This is 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. Precision Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com

    49 min
  3. Ultra Running Success Over Age 40: Lauren Puretz’s High-Achieving Approach

    JAN 30

    Ultra Running Success Over Age 40: Lauren Puretz’s High-Achieving Approach

    From residency training to ultramarathons - discover how Dr. Lauren Puretz balances life as a gynecologic surgeon with competing at the highest levels of trail running, including her breakthrough performance at UTMB and the mindset shifts that fuel both operating rooms and mountain peaks. Lauren Puretz, DO is a board-certified OB/GYN, elite ultrarunner, and mom of 2 based in Colorado Springs. She is the co-founder of Mountain View OB/GYN and co-host of the podcast Speaking of Labias. Outside the clinic, Lauren is intentionally making the most of her time as a competitive runner, chasing big goals, embracing challenge, and having as much fun as possible along the way. Jon chats with Lauren about: Lauren's transition from gymnastics and soccer to cross country running balancing medical career as gynecologic surgeon with ultra running training building community through persistent outreach and shared running experiences managing eating disorder recovery while fueling for endurance performance overcoming fear to compete in challenging mountain races like UTMB  Stay connected: Follow Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/lauren1642/ 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 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.

    57 min
  4. Erin Ton is on a Quest for Mountain Speed Records

    JAN 23

    Erin Ton is on a Quest for Mountain Speed Records

    At 20,000 feet, running feels like moving through molasses… but Erin Ton has found that climbing Colorado's highest peaks in stilettos actually makes her a more thoughtful athlete. Erin was born and raised in Colorado. After graduating from Cornell University in 2020, she moved back to Colorado to pursue professional mountain running. Her primary focus is on Fastest Known Time (FKT) speed records, specializing on steep, technical terrain at high altitude. She currently resides in her van and can be found chasing records all across the American West and all across the world.  Jon chats with Erin about: High altitude running challenges and training FKT (Fastest Known Time) pursuits fourteeners climbed in high heels professional athlete sponsorship journey goal of climbing all Colorado 13ers upcoming Aconcagua speed record attempt Stay connected: Follow Erin: https://www.instagram.com/erin_ton7/ Erin’s Strava: “Erin Ton” 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. Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN

    52 min
  5. Nick Thompson on How to Measure Running Progress

    JAN 16

    Nick Thompson on How to Measure Running Progress

    What if I told you that the most brutally honest performance metric you'll ever face isn't on your smartphone, can't be faked by AI, and strips away every excuse you've ever made about what you're truly capable of? It’s called running. Nicholas Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, an American magazine founded in 1857, which earned the top honor for magazines, General Excellence, at the National Magazine Awards in both 2022 and 2023.  In his time as CEO, the company has seen record subscriber growth. Before joining The Atlantic, he was the editor-in-chief of Wired magazine.  He is also a former contributor for CBS News and has previously served as editor. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race. Jon chats with Nick about: running's purity reveals personal truth and growth multitasking training with commuting and daily life  breaking psychological barriers through gradual exposure how AI threatens media authenticity setting challenging goals creates transferable resilience Stay connected: Follow Nick: http://linkedin.com/in/nicholasxthompson/ https://x.com/nxthompson https://www.instagram.com/nxthompson/?hl=en Nick’s book, “The Running Ground” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Ground-Father-Simplest-Sports/dp/0593244125 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 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.

    44 min
  6. Emma Coburn’s No-BS Advice for Showing Up When Motivation Is Gone

    JAN 9

    Emma Coburn’s No-BS Advice for Showing Up When Motivation Is Gone

    Whether you just won the NCAA title or you just sucked in that race… the sun comes up tomorrow, and we're going back to work in the morning. Emma Coburn is a middle-distance runner who specializes in the 3000-meters steeplechase. She’s a world champion, world silver medalist, Olympic bronze medalist, three-time Olympian and 10-time US National Champion in the steeplechase. Her approach to training and competition emphasizes consistency, discipline, and focusing on process over outcomes. She believes that "belief comes from working hard" and executing training day-to-day rather than relying on hope alone. Her philosophy is grounded in the idea that "you can't just hope your way to the Olympics" but must work consistently despite setbacks. Jon chats with Emma about: resilience through discipline and routine food culture and fueling without restriction mental strategies for race performance building sustainable habits for long-term success moving forward after setbacks and losses Stay connected: Follow Emma: https://www.instagram.com/emmacoburn/ Emma’s Website: https://emmacoburn.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. Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN

    51 min
  7. From Gambling Addiction to Ultra Marathons: How Running Saved Terence Gerchberg

    JAN 2

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

    12/26/2025

    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
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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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