The Runner's Resource

Michael Nielsen

The Runner's Resource podcast is a show that focuses on all things running. I'm Michael Nielsen- fellow runner, and coach. New episodes air every Monday. For podcast episode show notes, visit nielsenaudiosolutions.com/runners-resource-podcast

  1. Oct 26

    157. Building your dream coaching business with Michelle Lake

    In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Michelle Lake, a triathlon and running coach with 17 years of experience, about what it takes to build a sustainable coaching business in endurance sports. Michelle is a USA Triathlon Level III coach and the founder of The Dream Programs, where she has helped over 300 endurance coaches build profitable, sustainable coaching businesses. She hosts The Endurance Coachpreneur podcast and still coaches her own athletes through her business, Fiv3 Racing. Highlights of today’s episode include: Michelle shares her path to coaching full-time for the past 13 years, working with performance-focused, lifelong athletes chasing PRs and qualifications like Boston and world championships.We talk about why coaches are an underutilized asset in endurance sports, and how good guidance helps beginners avoid common mistakes.Michelle tells the story of one of her favorite athletes, Natalie Grabow, a Guinness World Record holder and the oldest female Ironman Hawaii finisher, who started triathlon later in life and went viral after a finish-line fall.Coaching-business fundamentals: certifications rarely teach marketing or sales, early growth comes from real conversations and testimonials, and new coaches should avoid investing in branding assets too soon.Michelle outlines the key gaps between coaching on the side and going full-time: marketing, network growth and retention, time management and systems for communication, and a business-owner mindset. Timestamps00:00 Meet Michelle00:38 Coaching Journey02:37 Why Coaches Matter03:45 Athens Marathon Lesson05:32 Favorite Athlete Story08:50 Natalie’s Late Start10:06 Selling Coaching Services13:23 First Clients Fast15:41 Avoid Branding Traps18:04 Going Full Time Gap18:39 Four Growth Pillars24:40 Systems and Mindset27:32 Wrap Up and Resources Links mentioned in todays episode: New Coach Guide Full Roster Fix Connect with Michelle Website: coachmichellelake.comPodcast: The Endurance CoachpreneurInstagram: @coachmichellelake Connect with Michael: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes & More Episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Runner’s Resource Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  2. Jun 2

    156. Endurance and Enterprise with Annie Whitney

    In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Annie Whitney, we discuss how endurance training translates to success in corporate leadership and entrepreneurship.  Annie Whitney is a certified run coach, Boston Marathon qualifier, and the founder of a multi-six-figure business — all while holding down a VP role at a high growth tech startup and raising two little girls. She runs to manage her ADHD and swears the miles are where her best ideas come to fruition. Annie helps women entrepreneurs build identity-led brands and businesses that are as distinctly them as their training plans because she knows firsthand that the same grit that gets you to the start line is what builds a leader who operates as the CEO of her life and business.  Highlights of todays episode include: Annie talks about commitment as keeping promises to yourself, why goals are milestones rather than the real payoff, and how fulfillment comes from who you become through consistent reps and discipline. We talk about several training principles (easy miles, recovery, strategic hard efforts, walking, etc.) to sustainable business growth, emphasizing seasons of “walking” versus intentional sprint seasons to avoid burnout and injury. Annie shares how pushing capacity too far in business and in running often leads to burn out, and what actaully works in running and in business. Social Media Annie: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Annewhitney_ Michael: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes & More Episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Runner’s Resource Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  3. May 25

    155. Pacing the Majors with Craig DeSantis

    In todays episode we meet a runner from Flanders N.J., who went from receiving some concerning health news, to taking back control of his health through running! Craig DeSantis didn’t start running until his late 40’s. Craig became a race pacer at many marathons, and ran over 40 marathons and frequent podium finishes in shorter races. Highlights of todays episode include: Craig talks about how often running two races back to back (within 3-4 weeks) will often bring about better race results, with the second race. Craig highlights pacing experiences like Rome, where he helped set a Guinness World Record with 253 pacers and discusses hitting tight pacing windowsWe dig into his Boston marathon 2026 race, and his Boston strategy, hill considerations, and how cross-training (cycling, lifting, rowing, limited weekly mileage) supports marathon fitness.Social Media Michael: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes & More Episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Runner’s Resource Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  4. May 11

    154. The 2026 Boston Marathon with Nicole Badr

    In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Nicole Badr, who just finished running the 2026 Boston Marathon. Nicole is an avid marathoner, completing 8 marathons and finishing 4 World Major Marathons. She recently qualified for and completed the Boston Marathon and is gearing up for her first 50k Ultra Marathon before taking on CIM later this year. Nicole guides with Achilles International in her free running time as she believes running is for everyone. In addition to her corporate job, she teaches classical and contemporary pilates. She believes that movement is key to unlocking your best self and hopes to inspire others to chase big goals and enjoy the pursuit. When not running or training, Nicole supports the local animal shelter and spreads the word about adopting and fostering! Highlights of todays episode include: Nicole talks about where and how she qualified for Boston, and how she leveraged her fitness from a tough London race, and dialing in her fueling helped her reach this goal We talk about her 2026 race and how Nicole’s priority was to enjoy the experience, take in the crowds, learn the course all while staying patient early in the raceNicole's biggest takeaway was remembering her qualification was years in the making and not to just celebrate the finish line. Social Media Nicole: IG: ⁠⁠⁠Nicolembadr Michael: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes & More Episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Runner’s Resource Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  5. Apr 7

    153. Faith and Fitness with Hannah Roy

    In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Hannah Roy. Hannah is a faith-based health coach who helps women build healthy lifestyles rooted in honouring God. After beginning her fitness journey in 2020, she discovered that true fulfillment came from including her faith in her health, and now she’s passionate about helping others do the same. Highlights of todays episode include: How social media comparison and unrealistic body expectations led her to under-eat, over-exercise, and tie her identity to results. 1 Corinthians 10:31 reframed her mindset to pursue fitness for God’s glory and stewardship of her body Why there’s no single “right” diet or workout plan, how to handle setbacks like bad workouts and life stress with gratitude and perspective, and how prayer, and worship can shape discipline and motivation.Hannah also explains common struggles females face such as consistency, comparison, and not knowing how faith fits into their fitness goalsSocial Media Hannah: IG: ⁠⁠Hannahroyfit YouTube: ⁠Hannah Roy Website: ⁠Hannah Roy Michael: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes & More Episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Runner’s Resource Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

  6. Mar 23

    152. Reclaiming Your Strength with Jen Rulon

    In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Jen Rulon a 15-time Ironman triathlete with a master’s in kinesiology to discuss endurance mindset, motivation, and why strength training matters for runners and triathletes. Her work has been featured in outlets like Triathlete Magazine, Runner’s World, and even The New York Times, and she’s also taken the stage at TEDx events.  Today Jen focuses on helping people build strength, resilience, and purpose through movement and mindset. Highlights of todays episode include: How watching the Ironman World Championship at 17 inspired her dream of becoming an endurance athlete Jen explains how after 30 we lose muscle mass each decade, making strength training essential for metabolism, bone health, and longevityThe best ways runners or triathletes can begin strength training at homeSocial Media Jen: IG: ⁠coachjenrulon YouTube: Coach Jen Rulon Website: Jen Rulon Michael: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes & More Episodes: ⁠⁠⁠The Runner’s Resource Podcast⁠⁠⁠

  7. 12/15/2025

    151. The Great World Race with Caroline Drury

    In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Caroline Drury who is training for the The Great World Race- 7 Marathons in 7 days, on 7 continents. Caroline Drury is a strength coach, avid runner, and entrepreneur-- founder of the Beyond Before & After fitness for women app, as well as the co-founder of MacroPath, an AI-powered macro and meal-planning platform.  She specializes in helping women 40+ rebuild their strength, confidence, and identity through structured strength training, macro-based nutrition, and sustainable routines. Highlights of todays episode include: The logistics of the race, and how she and the other runners will get from race to race The challenges of balancing training, and how Caroline is focusing on always training on tried legs We discuss what might be the most difficult continent to run onSocial Media Caroline: IG: carolinedrury.fit YouTube: Caroline Drury Fitness Website: Caroline Drury Fit Michael: IG: ⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠⁠ Show Notes & More Episodes: ⁠⁠The Runner’s Resource Podcast⁠⁠

  8. 09/01/2025

    150. Mastering the Tri with Jennifer Comfort

    In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with triathlete Jennifer Comfort, who is preparing for the Tri-Cities Ironman 70.3. Jennifer shares insights into the race's course, her training regimen, and the unique challenges of preparing for a triathlon compared to running. Highlights of todays episode include: What makes the Tri-Cities race so unique and why athletes from around the world come to compete How Jennifer balances the training of her athletes including their training, family, and life responsibilities without causing burn outWe discuss Jennifer’s approach to the mental side of endurance training- When is enough? Social Media Jennifer: IG: ⁠jennifercomfortcoaching Michael: IG: ⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠ Threads: ⁠_mikenielsen⁠ X: ⁠⁠_mikenielsen⁠ Show Notes & More Episodes: ⁠The Runner’s Resource Podcast⁠

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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

The Runner's Resource podcast is a show that focuses on all things running. I'm Michael Nielsen- fellow runner, and coach. New episodes air every Monday. For podcast episode show notes, visit nielsenaudiosolutions.com/runners-resource-podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Nielsen
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michael Nielsen
  • Show Website
    The Runner's Resource