The Elevate Your Running Podcast

Sara Manderscheid
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Ready to transform your running? Welcome to the Elevate Your Running Podcast, hosted by Sara Manderscheid, a seasoned running coach and eight-time Boston Marathon qualifier. Join our community as Sara shares expert running tips, training strategies, and inspiring stories to help you reach your personal best. Whether you're training for a marathon or just starting your running journey, this podcast is your go-to resource! Become a Paid Subscriber: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/1210115349/subscribe

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    EP 218 - Super Shoes & Smart Gear with Boston Marathoner, Michelle Baxter

    This week, I’m joined by Michelle Baxter to talk all things super shoes, running gear, and Boston Marathon prep. We dive into how racing shoes have evolved + break down what’s actually working right now for us, including models like the Alphafly, Vaporfly, Adios Pro, and Fast-R and more. We also get honest about the role of gear: what truly matters for performance versus what’s just hype. From favorite current gear to cold-weather essentials (hello, Midwest winters), we share what we’re loving—and what we still wish existed. There’s also a nostalgic trip down memory lane with some of our favorite gear and things we want to leave behind.  Whether you’re chasing a PR or just love talking gear, this episode is a fun, honest look at how running—and runners—have evolved. Resources & Links: Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team  – Coaching and Programs elevateyourrunning.com Instagram – Join the Community Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning.  Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform!  PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS: Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20 Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription Senitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attached Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!

    1hr 7min

  2. 2 APR

    EP. 217 - What’s Normal, What’s Not Normal in a Marathon Peak Week

    Peak week is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of marathon training. In this episode, we break down exactly what’s normal and what’s not normal during peak week so you can arrive at the start line feeling strong, confident, and ready to race. We talk through what healthy fatigue should feel like, why higher volume and intensity are expected, and how to properly take your training day by day without overthinking every run. You’ll also learn the biggest red flags to watch for—like pushing too much volume, feeling excessively fatigued, not sleeping well, and failing to recover properly during this critical week. Beyond the training itself, we also dive into the importance of balancing life and running during peak week. If everything feels like it’s falling out of alignment, it may be a sign to reassess not just your training, but the support systems around you. Whether you’re deep in marathon prep or preparing for a future cycle, this episode will help you navigate peak week with clarity, control, and confidence. Resources & Links: Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team  – Coaching and Programs elevateyourrunning.com Instagram – Join the Community Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning.  Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform!  PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS: Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20 Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription Senitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attached Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!

    53 min

  3. 26 MAR

    EP. 216 - Running with Harry Styles, Bravery, and The Truth About Running Your Best Marathon, Meghan Howard

    In this episode of the Elevate Your Running Podcast, I sit down with Meghan Howard to explore what it really means to show up with bravery in your running—and in your life. Meghan shares the story behind her incredible 2:52 performance at the Tokyo Marathon, giving an inside look at the training, mindset, and resilience it took to get there. But this conversation goes far beyond splits and race day execution. We dive into the emotional side of the sport—the highs that keep us coming back, and the inevitable lows that test our patience, identity, and belief in ourselves. We also talk about her unforgettable experience running the Berlin Marathon alongside Harry Styles, and what it was like to be part of such a unique and high-energy race environment. This episode is a reminder that progress in running isn’t linear, and that courage often looks like continuing to show up when things feel uncertain. Whether you’re chasing a breakthrough performance or simply trying to stay consistent in a busy season of life, Meghan’s story will leave you feeling inspired to lean into the process and trust your journey. Follow Meghan on IG here. Resources & Links: Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team  – Coaching and Programs elevateyourrunning.com Instagram – Join the Community Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy Where To Listen Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning.  Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform!  PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS: Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20 Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription Senitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attached Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off Where to Listen:Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!

    1hr 28min

  4. 19 MAR

    EP 215 - Carolyn Bollozos on Balancing Boston Qualifying Training, Creating Community, and Motherhood

    What does it look like to chase a Boston Qualifier while raising kids, working full-time, and building a running community from the ground up? In this episode, I’m joined by Carolyn Bollozos, a marathoner, Ironman finisher, working mom of two, and founder of GP Mother Runners — a thriving community of women balancing motherhood and endurance sport. Carolyn shares her journey from running her first turkey trot in college to completing three Ironmans, and now preparing for her 8th marathon with the goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. We talk about the realities of pursuing big running goals while juggling career, family, and training — and how community can make the entire journey more meaningful. Carolyn also shares how moving from San Francisco to Michigan inspired her to create GP Mother Runners, a group that has grown to more than 40 members and recently became a nonprofit organization. In this episode we discuss: Carolyn’s journey from casual runner to Ironman athlete The pursuit of a Boston Marathon Qualifier How working with a coach helped identify training blind spots Choosing the right race for a BQ attempt Balancing marathon training with career and motherhood The power of running communities for women How GP Mother Runners grew into a thriving nonprofit running groupWhy running continues to play such a meaningful role in this stage of life If you're a runner chasing your next breakthrough, navigating the balance of life and training, or looking for deeper connection through running — this episode will inspire you. Follow Carolyn on Instagram Resources & Links: Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team  – Coaching and Program elevateyourrunning.com Instagram – Join the Community Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning.  Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform!  PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS: Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20 Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription Senitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attached Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!

    1hr 2min

  5. 12 MAR

    EP. 214 - Optimize Nutrition to Recover Better, Train Consistently, and Actually See Performance Gains with RD Alex Larson

    If you’re training hard but still feeling tired, plateaued, or struggling to race your best, your nutrition may be the missing piece. In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Alex Larson, RD, to break down how runners can use nutrition as a performance tool — not just something to think about after a workout. We talk about the most common fueling mistakes endurance runners make, how to tell if you're under-fueled, and what “eating enough” actually looks like when you’re training for a marathon or half marathon. Alex explains why intra-run fueling matters, and how nutrition directly affects recovery, intra-run gel intake, and long-term performance. If you’re chasing a breakthrough race — whether that’s a PR, a marathon goal like sub-3, or simply feeling stronger and more consistent in training — this conversation will help you understand how fueling properly can unlock your next level. You’ll Learn: The most common nutrition mistake endurance runners make The easiest way to tell if you're under-fueling What “eating enough” actually means during marathon training How carbohydrate intake impacts performance and recovery Why fueling during long runs and workouts matters more than most runners think The long-term performance benefits of fueling properly for years If you’re not seeing performance gains, it might not be your training — it might be your fueling. Tune in to learn how optimizing your nutrition can help you recover faster, train consistently, and race stronger. Resources & Links Follow Alex on Instagram, listen to her podcast, and learn more about her 1:1 coaching! Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team  – Coaching and Programs elevateyourrunning.com Instagram – Join the Community Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy Where To Listen Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning.  Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform!  PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS: Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20 Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription Senitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attached Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!

    1hr 8min

  6. 5 MAR

    EP. 213 - Breaking 3: What it Really Takes with Run Coach, Laura Filla

    What does it actually take to break 3 hours in the marathon? In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Filla to talk about the physical and mental demands of running sub-3 (2:59:59). We break down 6:52/mile pace, key marathon workouts, fueling strategy, long run structure, and the mindset required to execute on race day. We also discuss why so many runners plateau at 3:05–3:10, common training mistakes, and what separates runners who successfully break 3 from those who fall just short. If you’re chasing a sub-3 marathon, trying to PR, or looking to level up your marathon training, this episode will give you clarity on what matters most. Connect with Coach Laura Filla online and on Instagram!  Resources & Links: Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team  – Coaching and Programs elevateyourrunning.com Instagram – Join the Community Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy Where To Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning.  Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform!  PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS: Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20 Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription Senitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attached Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!

    1hr 13min

  7. 26 FEB

    EP. 212 - Racing Is a Skill: How to Actually Get the Most Out of Your Race

    You’ve done the workouts. You’ve built the fitness. So why does race day sometimes feel like you’re not quite hitting your potential? In this episode, we’re breaking down what it really means to get the most out of your race — and why fitness alone isn’t enough. Because racing is a skill. And like any skill, it requires intention, discipline, and emotional control. I’ll walk you through: Why execution matters just as much as fitness The biggest mistake runners make in the first 10 minutes How to handle the “this is getting hard” moment mid-race What separates participating from competingAnd how to reflect properly so every race builds toward your next breakthrough This episode is a teaser for a deeper conversation I’ll be having with my 1:1 coaching team — where we’ll build out race execution plans and break down how to stop leaving time on the course. If you’ve ever crossed the finish line knowing you had more in you… this one’s for you. Resources & Links: Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team  – Coaching and Programs elevateyourrunning.com Instagram – Join the Community Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy Where to Listen Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning.  Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform!  PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS: Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription Senitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attached Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!

    54 min

  8. 19 FEB

    Ep 211 - Five Phrases to Remind Yourself When You’re on the Start Line of Your Next Race!

    The start line is where nerves, adrenaline, and self-doubt all show up at once. In this episode, I share five simple phrases every athlete can use to stay grounded, patient, and present when it matters most. We talk about trusting the work you’ve done, resisting the urge to race too early, narrowing your focus to what’s right in front of you, and normalizing the fact that things will get hard. We also zoom out and remember what racing is really about — celebrating the work, the community, and the joy of showing up on race day. Whether you’re racing a 5K, marathon, triathlon, or stepping into competition for the first time, these phrases are tools you can come back to again and again to execute better and enjoy the experience more. Save them. Repeat them. And take them with you to your next start line. Resources & Links: Work with Sara – Coaching and Programs elevateyourrunning.com Instagram – Join the Community Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy Where to Listen Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning.  Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform!  PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS: Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription Senitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attached Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off RNWY: Use Code Elevate15 for 15% off your order Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order! KETONE-IQ: Your post-run recovery ketones can be found here Cozy Zero:  merino wool running clothes! Save 20% with code SARAM20 LEVELLE GELS - Save 10% on all natural gels using code HAPPYRUNNING10

    52 min
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About

Ready to transform your running? Welcome to the Elevate Your Running Podcast, hosted by Sara Manderscheid, a seasoned running coach and eight-time Boston Marathon qualifier. Join our community as Sara shares expert running tips, training strategies, and inspiring stories to help you reach your personal best. Whether you're training for a marathon or just starting your running journey, this podcast is your go-to resource! Become a Paid Subscriber: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/1210115349/subscribe

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