Long Run Labs

Jonathan Levitt

Long Run Labs is a weekly series exploring the intersection of endurance and entrepreneurship from the team that brings you For The Long Run Podcast. From brand builders to movement makers, we spotlight the runners driving change in the outdoor and endurance space. These are the untold stories behind the tools, companies, and communities that shape the industry, told with curiosity, honesty, and heart. Hosted by Jon Levitt. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

  1. 2D AGO

    Why Entrepreneurs Stay Stuck (And How to Actually Move Forward) | Christian Rawles

    Christian Rawles didn’t just build a brand in the outdoor industry, he spent nearly two decades learning what it actually takes to run one, eventually buying and leading the business himself. Christian is now an executive coach working with entrepreneurs who want to build businesses that align with their values, not just scale for the sake of growth. His work focuses on clarity, self-awareness, and helping founders close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Jon and Christian explore what it really looks like to build a career intentionally, and why so many entrepreneurs stay stuck even when they’re doing everything “right.” Jon chats with Christian about:• starting at the bottom and learning how a business actually works• working for free or cheap to create career inflection points• why working in the outdoor industry isn’t always what people expect• how he transitioned from founder to executive coach• the difference between being stuck and being unclear• the “gap vs. gain” framework and why it changes everything• fear of success vs. fear of failure• defining success beyond money and metrics• the role of presence, gratitude, and self-awareness• why entrepreneurs need new definitions of success Stay connected: Christian's Website: https://www.christianrawles.com/ This episode is supported by: ⁠The Huddle⁠: If you’re at the point where going at it alone isn’t working or you’re ready to level things up in your business, go to https://findmyhuddle.com/ and fill out the application ⁠Popfly⁠: If you’re a brand trying to reach outdoor, travel, and adventure audiences, Popfly is where to do it. It connects you with the largest communities of adventure creators and handles the entire process from start to finish. To learn more: ⁠Creators click here: https://popf.ly/longrunlabscreators⁠. ⁠Brands click here: https://popf.ly/longrunlabsbrands⁠

    59 min

  2. APR 28

    Turning Community Into a Running Brand That Lasts | Nick Dibos

    Nick Dibos didn’t set out to build a scalable apparel company. He set out to build something that actually means something to the people around him. Nick is the founder of Greenville Uptempo Sports, a running apparel brand rooted in community, culture, and storytelling. After careers in pharmacy and real estate, he shifted into building a brand that reflects the heartbeat of the Greenville running scene. Jon and Nick talk about what it looks like to grow a business from the inside out, starting with people, experience, and local identity rather than scale. Jon chats with Nick about: • growing up in Eugene and how it shaped his view of running culture • why Greenville’s amateur running scene feels different • building a brand from local community, not top-down strategy • the role of storytelling in creating connection • why some of the most impactful brand decisions don’t scale • handwritten notes, experience, and attention to detail • the tension between growth and staying true to the brand • how product becomes a vehicle for something deeper This episode is supported by: ⁠The Huddle⁠: If you’re at the point where going at it alone isn’t working or you’re ready to level things up in your business, go to https://findmyhuddle.com/ and fill out the application ⁠Popfly⁠: If you’re a brand trying to reach outdoor, travel, and adventure audiences, Popfly is where to do it. It connects you with the largest communities of adventure creators and handles the entire process from start to finish. To learn more: ⁠Creators click here: https://popf.ly/longrunlabscreators⁠. ⁠Brands click here: https://popf.ly/longrunlabsbrands⁠

    1h 4m

  3. APR 21

    Building a Business in Trail Running Without Losing Trust | Seth LaReau

    Seth LaReau didn’t set out to build a media brand. He set out to create something he wished existed. Seth is the writer behind Trailwaves, a newsletter exploring the business, economics, and culture of trail and ultra running. With a background in finance and accounting, he brings a different lens to the sport, one that blends data, curiosity, and lived experience in the trail running community. Jon and Seth talk about what it actually looks like to build something from the ground up while working a full-time job, and how to think about audience, value, and monetization without losing trust. Jon chats with Seth about:• using a finance background to analyze the trail running industry• building Trailwaves and finding the intersection of passion and expertise• imposter syndrome and why it often signals growth• creating content through curiosity instead of authority• the evolving media ecosystem in trail running• how to think about monetization without compromising authenticity• brand partnerships, affiliates, and delivering real value to an audience• investing in the outdoor industry and where the opportunity exists• building a business slowly and intentionally over time Stay connected: Follow Seth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seth_lareau/ Follow Trailwaves on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailwavesrun/ Subscribe to the Trailwaves Newsletter on Substack here. This episode is supported by: ⁠The Huddle⁠: If you’re at the point where going at it alone isn’t working or you’re ready to level things up in your business, go to https://findmyhuddle.com/ and fill out the application ⁠Popfly⁠: If you’re a brand trying to reach outdoor, travel, and adventure audiences, Popfly is where to do it. It connects you with the largest communities of adventure creators and handles the entire process from start to finish. To learn more: ⁠Creators click here: https://popf.ly/longrunlabscreators⁠. ⁠Brands click here: https://popf.ly/longrunlabsbrands⁠

    55 min

  4. APR 14

    Why Most Brand Partnerships Fail (And How to Actually Get It Right)

    Erin Cooper built her career in the running industry by saying yes, learning on the ground, and working her way from run specialty to leading brand marketing at one of the most influential global brands in sport. Erin Cooper is a Brand Marketing leader at Salomon, where she works across performance and sportstyle to shape how the brand shows up in North America. Her path into the industry started in run specialty, followed by years in the field as a technical rep and mobile marketing coordinator, before transitioning into brand and partnership strategy. Today, she works at the intersection of athletes, creators, community, and global campaigns. Jon and Erin talk about what actually drives brand growth in running and outdoor, and how partnerships, community, and storytelling come together. Jon chats with Erin about:• why most brand partnerships fail before they even start• how to define success and “what a win looks like”• the role of run specialty in building a career in the industry• brand marketing vs. performance marketing in a global company• how digital and in-person experiences work together• athlete vs. influencer vs. creator and where each fits• why authenticity is still the most important filter• building long-term partnerships instead of short-term wins This episode is supported by: The Huddle: If you’re at the point where going at it alone isn’t working or you’re ready to level things up in your business, go to https://findmyhuddle.com/ and fill out the application Popfly: If you’re a brand trying to reach outdoor, travel, and adventure audiences, Popfly is where to do it. It connects you with the largest communities of adventure creators and handles the entire process from start to finish. To learn more: Creators click here: https://popf.ly/longrunlabscreators. Brands click here: https://popf.ly/longrunlabsbrands⁠

    51 min

  5. APR 7

    Why Authenticity Wins in Running Marketing

    Hannah Sedgwick Shin has built her career at the intersection of running and brand. From her early days in public relations to shaping marketing at Goodr and now leading sports marketing initiatives at ASICS, her work sits inside the evolving world of how brands show up in sport. Hannah Sedgwick Shin is a sports marketer at ASICS, focused on athlete and creator partnerships, brand strategy, and community-driven marketing. She previously spent over five years at Goodr, where she helped scale the brand through partnerships, content, and a distinctly non-traditional approach to marketing in the running space. She also describes herself as a “professionally amateur” marathoner, bringing a personal lens to the work she does. Jon chats with Hannah about: • brand marketing vs. performance marketing and why both matter • how Goodr approached partnerships without over-indexing on conversion metrics • authenticity as the foundation for athlete and creator collaborations • the rise of athlete-as-creator and how expectations are shifting • building community through in-person events and run clubs • what brands are thinking about heading into LA 2028 • how to stand out in an increasingly crowded running and outdoor market Stay connected: Follow Hannah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahsedgwick/ This episode is supported by: The Huddle: If you’re at the point where going at it alone isn’t working or you’re ready to level things up in your business, go to https://findmyhuddle.com/ and fill out the application Popfly: If you’re a brand trying to reach outdoor, travel, and adventure audiences, Popfly is where to do it. It connects you with the largest communities of adventure creators and handles the entire process from start to finish. Go to Popfly.com to learn more!

    1h 2m

  6. MAR 31

    $20K Launch Day: How Raide Built a Premium Gear Brand Through Word-of-Mouth and Elite Athletes

    Kyle Siegel transformed a moment of peak frustration on Mount Rainier into the foundation story of Raide: a ski and running equipment company driven by an obsession to enable "the freedom and flow of human powered movement." Kyle Siegel is the CEO/founder of Raide. Founded in 2023 in Carbondale, CO Raide's mission is to elevate the freedom of human powered movement. Raide equipment and apparel that combines function, performance and style for athletes to chase big objectives, audacious goals & seeking the uncomfortable. Jon chats with Kyle about: Raide’s mission to enable freedom and flow of human movement product focus around ski touring packs and running belts/gear the product-led company strategy & athlete partnerships fundraising approach & investors  brand-focused marketing vs. performance marketing Stay Connected: Follow Kyle: https://www.instagram.com/kyle.siegel/ This episode is supported by: The Huddle If you’re at the point where going at it alone isn’t working or you’re ready to level things up in your business, go to https://findmyhuddle.com/ and fill out the application

    53 min

  7. MAR 24

    The Custom Insoles Revolutionizing Elite Running Performance

    What happens when a successful entrepreneur sells his lighting company, attempts to qualify for Olympic trials, and then decides to revolutionize the insole industry using iPhone technology? Cole Zucker is an entrepreneur with a running addiction. Cole's most recent business is Kila Run. They make the lightest custom insole in the world, which is used by podium winners such as Tom Evans.  Jon chats with Cole about: entrepreneurship and business-building philosophy running journey and athletic background the Kila custom insoles startup  investment philosophy and capital strategy Stay Connected: www.kilarun.com https://www.instagram.com/kilarunning/ This episode is supported by: The Huddle If you’re at the point where going at it alone isn’t working or you’re ready to level things up in your business, go to https://findmyhuddle.com/ and fill out the application

    1h 5m

  8. MAR 17

    From Kickstarter to a Brooks Partnership: PYNRS Founder’s Blueprint for Community-First Business Building

    When immigrant parents chase opportunity across continents, their children often become bridges between worlds. Sid Baptista discovered that running could be the vehicle to bring transformative experiences back to the communities that shaped him.  Sidney Baptista is the Founder of PYNRS Performance Streetwear, a Boston-based running brand rooted in culture, community, and performance. Inspired by the legacy of Black pioneers in distance running, Sid created PYNRS to amplify, celebrate, and expand who gets to belong in the sport. Through product, storytelling, and community-driven experiences, he is redefining what running culture looks and feels like. Jon chats with Sid about: building community through inclusive running experiences creating performance apparel for underserved athletic bodies innovative product design addressing real runner needs strategic brand partnerships driving market validation entrepreneurial hustle and creative problem-solving approaches Stay Connected: For Sidney - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidbap/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidbap For PYNRS - Website: https://pynrs.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pynrs_/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pynrs/ This episode is supported by: Skej My favorite tool to help schedule meetings. Check out skej.com/longrunlabs for a very special offer!

    1h 9m
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About

Long Run Labs is a weekly series exploring the intersection of endurance and entrepreneurship from the team that brings you For The Long Run Podcast. From brand builders to movement makers, we spotlight the runners driving change in the outdoor and endurance space. These are the untold stories behind the tools, companies, and communities that shape the industry, told with curiosity, honesty, and heart. Hosted by Jon Levitt. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Levitt
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jonathan Levitt
  • Show Website
    Long Run Labs

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