For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Jonathan Levitt
  • 5.0 (1)
  • 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. Dr. Teddy Bross on Future of Athlete Healthcare, Running, and Recovery

    1D AGO

    Dr. Teddy Bross on Future of Athlete Healthcare, Running, and Recovery

    Dr. Teddy Bross is a practicing family medicine physician at Highpoint Direct Care where he focuses on the treatment of athletes and active adults in Colorado and select surrounding states. He is an avid mountain ultra trail athlete, husband and father. Happiest in the company of friends and indulging in small joys, Dr. Teddy is a seeker of wild flowers, avid reader and consumer of poetry, and frequent DIY project manager, including the building of a dreamy Finnish basement sauna. In this episode, Teddy and Jon talk about the massive gaps that exist in traditional medicine for endurance athletes and why so many runners are struggling with fatigue, low energy availability, recurring injuries, and burnout without getting meaningful answers. They dive into the realities of modern healthcare, why most runners wait too long to seek help, and how Teddy approaches athlete care differently through direct primary care. The conversation also explores ferritin and iron deficiency, underfueling, GI issues in endurance sports, why so many athletes are chronically exhausted, and how curiosity plays a role both in medicine and in running. Teddy also shares stories from pacing David Roche at Leadville, witnessing the emotional moment at Foresthill during Western States, and what excellence really looks like behind the scenes. This episode is a deep look at athlete health, performance, consistency, and the systems that either support or fail runners trying to stay healthy long term. Stay connected: Learn more about Highpoint Direct Care: https://www.highpointdirectcare.com/aboutus Dr. Teddy Bross on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/run.doctor/ This episode is supported by: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com. Boulderthon - Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org. Good Ranchers - Better training starts with better inputs. Good Ranchers delivers high-quality, American-sourced meat and seafood so you can stay consistent with your protein and iron. We heard you! The code IRON is now worth $40 and offers the ability to try out a box before subscribing, but if you want to jump in on a subscription you get $100 off the first three months (total) plus a free bonus protein. Visit goodranchers.com to start shopping! Tifosi Optics - If you've been curious, now's a great time to try them. Head to tifosioptics.com and use code FTLR2026 to tell ‘em i sent you! If you’re in Boulder for BolderBoulder week, come hang with us at two community events: • Thursday, May 21 at Skratch Labs Table: free shakeout run with Chelsea Sodaro and the MomForward Movement benefiting For All Mothers, followed by a live FTLR panel with Chelsea and Kara Goucher. Raffle prizes from On, Coros, Rapha, and Oiselle. Learn more here: https://www.movemint.cc/events/momforward_movement_unlockingyes • Friday, May 22 at Otto and Co on Pearl: “Fueling the Long Run,” presented by ProBio and FTLR with Hillary Allen, Charlie Sweeney, and Dr. Marc Bubbs. Shakeout at 6:30 p.m., panel at 7:15 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Colorado Athletics Project. Learn more here: https://www.movemint.cc/events/probio-fueling-the-long-run

    1h 55m
  2. Building a Life Around the Process and Choosing Hard Things with Joe Corcione

    MAY 8

    Building a Life Around the Process and Choosing Hard Things with Joe Corcione

    Joe Corcione is an ultrarunner, coach, and host of the Everyday Ultra Podcast, where he helps runners of all levels improve not just physically, but mentally. His path into the sport didn’t follow a traditional trajectory. He found running during a period of major life change, using it as a way to rebuild structure, discipline, and a sense of direction.Since then, Joe has gone on to complete some of the most demanding races in the sport, including 200+ mile events, while also building a coaching business focused on helping athletes push beyond what they think is possible.In this conversation, Joe shares how fear has shaped his approach to both running and life. Instead of treating it as something to avoid, he’s learned to see it as a signal that something meaningful is on the other side. That mindset shows up in how he chooses goals, how he approaches competition, and how he thinks about long-term growth.He also talks about what it takes to stay in the sport over time. Not just chasing big race-day moments, but committing to the process that happens in between. Training, setbacks, and the repetition that most people don’t see are what ultimately shape the outcome.The episode is a look at how Joe has built both his running career and his life around that idea, continuing to lean into discomfort, learn from failure, and keep moving forward.This was recorded live at the Boston Marathon, at an event hosted by Mount to Coast ahead of their double Boston Campaign. Stay connected: Joe's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-ultra/id1600327047 Joe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joecorcione/ This episode is supported by: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com. Mount to Coast - Built for runners who go long. From Badwater to Boston, Mount to Coast is designing footwear for the demands of real endurance. Learn more at mounttocoast.com and use code FTLR for 10% off. Boulderthon - Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org. Good Ranchers - Better training starts with better inputs. Good Ranchers delivers high-quality, American-sourced meat and seafood so you can stay consistent with your protein and iron. We heard you! The code IRON is now worth $40 and offers the ability to try out a box before subscribing, but if you want to jump in on a subscription you get $100 off the first three months (total) plus a free bonus protein. Visit goodranchers.com to start shopping! Vacation Races - Run where you play and chase the extraordinary. Use code “FTLR” for 15% off their half marathons, ultras, and trail fests at vacationraces.com through the end of 2026.

    48 min
  3. Rachel Entrekin, Queen of Cocodona 250

    MAY 7

    Rachel Entrekin, Queen of Cocodona 250

    After transitioning from oncology physical therapy to full-time running, Rachel Entrekin discovered her true calling was not in conquering traditional hundred-mile races, but in pushing the boundaries of human endurance across multiple days and hundreds of miles. Rachel has been running since 2009, gradually making her way up from road 10ks to multi-day trail races. While born and raised in the southeast US, she currently resides in Colorado, where there is exactly zero humidity.  This episode was recorded in person in February 2026. Jon chats with Rachel about: her running journey from college marathons to ultramarathons the transition from physical therapy to professional running career 200-mile race strategy and mental approach at Cocodona sports nutrition partnership with Precision Fuel and Hydration philosophy on process versus outcome-focused racing goals Stay connected: Follow Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/rachel__entrekin/ Rachel’s Blog: https://blondeidiotrunning.wordpress.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAPvkdJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacg8Fo31S7ggaU3zfdCDjsLlJYiyLYgJY33CdsPkrAAlbSiiguTikjxlNsSkg_aem_MZqdK3OHod6Qgy6-yC4ZEA Vagabond Trails TMB tour: https://www.vagabond-trails.com/tmb-rachel-entrekin?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAPvke5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaf4YWwaHMYnTW0Zrm-N4lN1TD0jl_dTVUiwIYFT_rYsVNAp8pgqd23CSj_bPw_aem_jYSHI0G1B9zMyz_Qz9VL7A This is episode is supported by: Skej My favorite tool to help schedule meetings. Check out skej.com/longrunlabs for a very special offer! Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠ - Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at ⁠www.precisionhydration.com⁠. Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org. 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.

    1h 4m
  4. What Happens When You Choose the Hard Thing with Brendan Morgan

    MAY 1

    What Happens When You Choose the Hard Thing with Brendan Morgan

    Brendan Morgan is an ultrarunner who found running in 2023 by doing something most people avoid. He started because he hated it. Since then, he’s gone all in. From completing a 4x4x48 just months after starting to running across Pennsylvania, Brendan has quickly built a reputation for taking on challenges that push both his body and mind to the edge. But what stands out isn’t just the distance. It’s the mindset behind it. In this conversation, Brendan talks about why running became more than just a physical outlet. It’s something he can fully control in a world where most things aren’t. That idea has shaped how he approaches challenges, how he deals with adversity, and how he shows up for others. He also shares how his past experiences and mental health journey influence the way he uses running as a tool, not just for himself, but to create space for others to feel seen and supported. Whether it’s running across a state to raise awareness or showing vulnerability online, Brendan is intentional about how he uses his platform. This episode is about choosing discomfort on purpose, understanding why that matters, and exploring how far you can go when you lean into it. Jon and Brendan talk about: starting running because he hated it and what kept him coming backusing running as something you can fully control when life isn’thow pushing physical limits translates into mental resiliencethe role running plays in his mental health and day-to-day happinessdeveloping a deeper “why” through ultramarathons and long effortsrunning across Pennsylvania and using extreme challenges to raise awarenessthe experience of running Double Boston and what it revealedthe contrast between quiet miles and race-day energyhow past experiences shape his approach to discomfort and growthwhy he shares vulnerability and mental health openly onlinewhat draws him to longer and harder challenges like backyard ultrasadvice for anyone who wants to push themselves furtherFollow Brendan: https://www.instagram.com/runswithb?igsh=MXAwM3RoZGNydHdoag== This episode is supported by: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com. Mount to Coast - Built for runners who go long. From Badwater to Boston, Mount to Coast is designing footwear for the demands of real endurance. Learn more at mounttocoast.com. Boulderthon - Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org. Good Ranchers - Better training starts with better inputs. Good Ranchers delivers high-quality, American-sourced meat and seafood so you can stay consistent with your protein and iron. Visit goodranchers.com and use code IRON for $25 off plus a free protein each month. Vacation Races - Run where you play and chase the extraordinary. Use code “FTLR” for 15% off their half marathons, ultras, and trail fests at vacationraces.com through the end of 2026.

    46 min
  5. The Truth About Fueling for Runners with Stevie Lyn Smith

    APR 24

    The Truth About Fueling for Runners with Stevie Lyn Smith

    Stevie Lyn Smith is a registered dietitian, board certified in sports nutrition, endurance athlete, and one of the most trusted voices when it comes to practical, realistic fueling advice for runners. As a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Stevie combines her passion for endurance athletics with evidence-based nutrition practices to help individuals reach their health and performance goals. She’s also an ultra-endurance athlete herself, with 10 Ironman finishes, which gives her a firsthand understanding of how nutrition impacts both performance and everyday life. When she’s not training, she’s usually outside exploring trails with her dog or experimenting in the kitchen. In this episode, Stevie breaks down what fueling actually looks like for everyday runners, not just elites, and why so many people are unintentionally underfueling their training. The conversation covers carbohydrates, hydration, sodium, and protein, with a focus on what’s realistic to execute in both training and racing. They also get into how fueling impacts recovery, energy levels, and long-term performance, especially for runners balancing training with work, family, and everything else in life. This isn’t about chasing perfect numbers. It’s about understanding your needs, being consistent, and making fueling something that supports your training instead of holding it back. Jon and Stevie talk about:• what “high carb fueling” actually means and why it’s individualized• how to think about fueling for long runs, races, and everyday training• why most runners are underfueling their weekly training volume• how carbs support performance, recovery, and adaptation• hydration, sodium needs, and how to know if you’re a heavy sweater• fueling for longer efforts like marathons and ultras• when and why to incorporate protein into long efforts• balancing carbs and protein without overcorrecting• how to identify misleading nutrition advice online• why practical, consistent fueling matters more than perfect plans Stay connected: Follow Stevie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevielynlyn/ Listen to Real Fuel Podcast hosted by Stevie Smith: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-fuel-with-sls/id1746341651 Stevie's website: https://stevielynrd.com This episode is supported by: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com. Mount to Coast - Built for runners who go long. From Badwater to Boston, Mount to Coast is designing footwear for the demands of real endurance. Learn more at mounttocoast.com. Don't miss out on a live podcast recording in Boston at the Marathon Sports Brand House brings together Jonathan Levitt and Joe Corcionefor a candid conversation on training, strategy, and gear for runners looking to take on longer distances from their first 50K to ultramarathons. Sign up here! Boulderthon - Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org. Good Ranchers - Better training starts with better inputs. Good Ranchers delivers high-quality, American-sourced meat and seafood so you can stay consistent with your protein and iron. Visit goodranchers.com and use code IRON for $25 off plus a free protein each month. Vacation Races - Run where you play and chase the extraordinary. Use code “FTLR” for 15% off their half marathons, ultras, and trail fests at vacationraces.com through the end of 2026.

    1h 8m
  6. The Long Game: From the 2012 Olympics to LA 2028 While Working Full-Time with Ruben Sança

    APR 17

    The Long Game: From the 2012 Olympics to LA 2028 While Working Full-Time with Ruben Sança

    From immigrating to the U.S. at 12 years old to representing Cape Verde at the Olympics, Ruben Sança’s story is one of consistency, patience, and staying in it long after most people step away. Ruben Sança is a Cape Verdean Olympian and elite distance runner who competed in the 5,000 meters at the 2012 Olympic Games in London after previously representing Cape Verde at the 2011 World Championships. He is a former standout at UMass Lowell, earning multiple All-America honors and helping lead the program to conference championships during his collegiate career. Sança holds multiple Cape Verdean national records and has run personal bests of 1:05 in the half marathon and 2:18 in the marathon while competing internationally and across the U.S. road racing circuit. In addition to competing, he coaches athletes and works professionally in leadership roles focused on education and opportunity for students. Ruben talks about how his relationship with running has evolved over time, from thinking he was “running across the country” in middle school to building the kind of durability that allows him to train at a high level for decades.  There’s also a constant theme of balance. Balancing training with a career. Knowing when to push and when to back off. Building a life that supports running, not one that’s consumed by it. Jon and Ruben get into:• growing up in Boston as an immigrant and finding running by accident• why he never wanted to think of himself as “gifted”• building durability and handling high mileage over time• transitioning from track to the marathon• representing Cape Verde at the 2012 Olympics• why he’s going after LA 2028 at age 41• managing 100+ mile weeks with a full-time job• what sustainable excellence actually looks like• confidence, belonging, and showing up to races differently• the growth of running culture in Dorchester and Roxbury• why community matters more than pace This is a conversation for anyone trying to figure out how to do both, pursue something meaningful while building a full life around it. Stay connected: Follow Ruben: https://www.instagram.com/rubenpsanca/ This episode is supported by: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com. Mount to Coast - Built for runners who go long. From Badwater to Boston, Mount to Coast is designing footwear for the demands of real endurance. Learn more at mounttocoast.com. Don't miss out on a live podcast recording in Boston at the Marathon Sports Brand House brings together Jonathan Levitt and Joe Corcionefor a candid conversation on training, strategy, and gear for runners looking to take on longer distances from their first 50K to ultramarathons. Sign up here! Boulderthon - Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org. Good Ranchers - Better training starts with better inputs. Good Ranchers delivers high-quality, American-sourced meat and seafood so you can stay consistent with your protein and iron. Visit goodranchers.com and use code IRON for $25 off plus a free protein each month. Vacation Races - Run where you play and chase the extraordinary. Use code “FTLR” for 15% off their half marathons, ultras, and trail fests at vacationraces.com through the end of 2026.

    1h 5m
  7. Outrun the Darkness: Running, Recovery, and Doing Something Bigger Than Yourself with John Shep

    APR 10

    Outrun the Darkness: Running, Recovery, and Doing Something Bigger Than Yourself with John Shep

    From hitting rock bottom to building a life of recovery through running: Meet John Shep. John is a Canadian ultrarunner, teacher, and host of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast. He’s also the creator of “Outrun the Darkness,” a project centered around a 142.2K ultra-double, completing the Sulphur Springs 100K and the Ottawa Marathon on back-to-back days to raise awareness for youth mental health. John’s journey into running didn’t start with performance. It started with recovery. After a mental health crisis and disordered eating led to hospitalization, running became a way to rebuild his relationship with himself, with food, and with the world around him. Nearly two decades later, he’s still living what he calls “a life of recovery,” using running as both a tool and a platform. Jon and John dive into:• John’s path from mental health crisis to ultrarunning• the concept of “living a life of recovery”• how running can support, and sometimes challenge, addictive tendencies• “riding the edge of the lightning bolt” and finding balance• using running as exposure therapy and rebuilding a relationship with food • the role of community in recovery and mental health• the story behind Outrun the Darkness• why mental health conversations need to be ongoing, not occasional• what it means to use running for something bigger than yourself Stay connected:Follow John: https://www.instagram.com/outrunthedarkness/ This episode is supported by: Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠ - Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at ⁠www.precisionhydration.com⁠. Mount to Coast - Built for runners who go long. From Badwater to Boston, Mount to Coast is designing footwear for the demands of real endurance. Learn more at mounttocoast.com. Don't miss out on a live podcast recording in Boston at the Marathon Sports Brand House brings together Jonathan Levitt and Joe Corcionefor a candid conversation on training, strategy, and gear for runners looking to take on longer distances from their first 50K to ultramarathons. Sign up here! Tifosi Optics - If you've been curious, now's a great time to try them. Head to tifosioptics.com and use code FTLR2026 to tell ‘em i sent you! Boulderthon - Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.

    59 min
  8. Getting Sponsored While Pregnant: What’s Changing in Pro Running with Grayson Murphy

    APR 3

    Getting Sponsored While Pregnant: What’s Changing in Pro Running with Grayson Murphy

    From questioning what’s considered “normal” in professional sport to speaking up about what actually needs to change: Meet Grayson Murphy, a professional runner bringing clarity to conversations around pregnancy, contracts, and what real support for athletes should look like. Grayson is a world champion trail runner and professional athlete who has built her career at the highest level of the sport. But beyond performance, she’s using her voice to challenge long-standing norms around how female athletes are treated, especially when it comes to starting a family. Her perspective is grounded, honest, and rooted in lived experience. Jon chats with Grayson about:• her identity as an athlete and how that’s shifting with pregnancy• why she’s never felt the need to choose just one lane in running• what it’s actually been like to slow down during pregnancy• comparison, expectations, and stepping away from social media• signing a pro contract while pregnant and what that represents• why being supported shouldn’t be seen as “lucky”• how expectations for women in sport are starting to change• sharing the non-perfect version of her life and why that matters• the role of community and other athlete moms• what’s next, including a potential marathon debut• building a business alongside her running career• why storytelling and non-endemic sponsors are shaping the future of the sport Stay connected:Follow Grayson:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racin__grayson/ Wild Strides Paper Co. training logs and coaching: https://wildstridespaper.com This episode is supported by: Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠ - Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at ⁠www.precisionhydration.com⁠. Mount to Coast - Built for runners who go long. From Badwater to Boston, Mount to Coast is designing footwear for the demands of real endurance. Learn more at mounttocoast.com. Tifosi Optics - If you've been curious, now's a great time to try them. Head to tifosioptics.com and use code FTLR2026 to tell ‘em i sent you! Boulderthon - Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org. Good Ranchers - Better training starts with better inputs. Good Ranchers delivers high-quality, American-sourced meat and seafood so you can stay consistent with your protein and iron. Visit goodranchers.com and use code IRON for $25 off plus a free protein each month.

    44 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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