Episodes
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“I felt there was a big gap that could be filled with good, science-based, evidence-based information,” says Rick Prince, founder of the United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy. In this episode, Rick joins Brad Miles to explore the void he noticed in endurance sports education, which inspired him to create UESCA in 2014. For Rick, staying current with evidence-based information is so crucial because it’s what ensures that coaches are providing athletes with the most effective and safe training methods, ultimately leading to better performance and injury prevention.
Rick shares insights into the advancements in endurance sports science, particularly in female physiology and training technologies. He clears up common misconceptions, such as the myth that running damages your knees and the misunderstood role of lactic acid in muscle fatigue.
Rick further explains UESCA’s certification programs, which are designed to be thorough and adaptable to fit each learner’s pace. He highlights the significant contributions of experts like Dr. Matt Hansen and athletes like Mel Rojas in shaping UESCA’s curriculum. He also gives a sneak peek into what’s next, including a strength and conditioning certification for endurance athletes and a newly launched course on physiological adaptations to endurance exercise.
Tune in to this episode of Run Fast, Run Forever Presented by Lever Movement to boost your coaching skills and discover the importance of science-based training and ongoing education in the ever-evolving world of endurance sports.
Quotes
“A lot of the programs that were out there, they would come up with something and wouldn’t update it at all. So, it was just really antiquated information that you were getting. One of the things we make an effort to do is update the information as new information comes out.” (03:15 | Rick Prince)
“There are all these long-standing myths out there. I think one of the biggest ones that always gets attention is that endurance exercise is bad for you.” (06:24 | Rick Prince)
“What we’re trying to do is say, ‘Hey, it’s all about education. It’s all about the experience. It’s all about those elements versus whether you’re a top performer.’” (11:19 | Rick Prince)
“For us, it’s going to stay more focused on what we’re doing purely from an educational standpoint. We are currently working on a strength and conditioning certification, which we believe will be in high demand. We’re certainly receiving quite a few requests for it, and there’s never been anything specifically for strength and conditioning for endurance athletes.” (13:55 | Rick Prince)
“A lot of this came from my, for lack of a better word, hatred of the personal training industry, where everything seemed like a money grab. I approached it from the standpoint of, if I were a coach or an aspiring coach, what would I want? I would always want a reference point. For example, if we update our certifications, you don’t pay for the update or for any additional content because I don’t think that’s how it should be.” (17:15 | Rick Prince)
Links
Connect with Rick Prince:
https://enduranceconference.uesca.com/
Keywords: Use RUN75 for $75 off the Conference price
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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In this episode, we dive deep into the revolutionary LEVER x CIM Training Program designed to take your marathon preparation to the next level. Join us as we chat with Mary Johnson, founder of Lift Run Perform, and Stephanie Flippen, seasoned coach and LEVER advocate, about how this unique program can help runners of all levels achieve their personal bests. Learn how the LEVER system allows you to increase mileage, prevent injuries, and enhance performance, whether you're recovering from an injury or in peak condition. We’ll also discuss who this program is best suited for and how it’s tailored to help you run faster, stronger, and smarter. Tune in to discover how incorporating body weight-supported running into your routine can transform your marathon training experience!
Perfect for anyone gearing up for the California International Marathon (CIM) or looking to elevate their running game. Don't miss this chance to learn from the experts and get inspired to make your marathon season the best one yet!
Links
Connect with Mary Johnson:
https://www.instagram.com/itsamarython/
Sign Up for CIM Program:LEVER x CIM Program
Follow us:
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of the Lever Movement Podcast, host Brad Miles sits down with professional triathlete Matt Hanson to explore the highs and lows of his 2024 season. Matt, who has been racing professionally since 2014, shares his journey from being an exercise science professor to becoming one of the top triathletes in the world.
Despite facing significant challenges this year, including a ruptured cyst in his knee, Matt remains focused on achieving his goals. He opens up about how he adapted his training using the LEVER system to maintain peak performance while managing his injury.
“It's really hard to sum up my training methodology in a sentence or two because, basically, my job as a coach is to treat everybody as an individual,” Matt explains, highlighting his commitment to personalized coaching.
Matt also discusses the mental and physical demands of balancing a professional triathlon career with his coaching business, saying, “When you're coaching, you have to be the example you want your athletes to follow. There’s a lot of accountability that comes with that.”
Join us as Matt reveals his strategies for overcoming adversity, the importance of smart training, and how he's preparing for the Ironman World Championship in Kona. Whether you're an aspiring triathlete or a seasoned competitor, Matt’s insights offer valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the science behind success.
Links
Connect with Matt Hanson:
https://www.instagram.com/matthansontri/
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
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“I had a small tear in my Achilles and sometimes it can be hard to stay motivated,” shares Willy Fink, Under Armour runner on the Baltimore distance team. In this episode, he talks with Brad Miles about his running career, highlighting his comeback from injury and performance at the US Olympic Trials.
Willy recalls his early running days and his progression from high school mile races to college steeplechase and 5k events. After graduating in 2017, he balanced work and training until securing a contract with Under Armour.
Following an Achilles injury in March, Willy underwent physical therapy and used the Lever system to recover, gradually increasing his training. By May, he was back racing, winning a mile and a 1500m race in Nashville, and eventually making the finals in the 5k at the US Olympic Trials.
Join Willy and Brad in this episode of Run Fast, Run Forever Presented by Lever Movement as they explore the importance of patience, a strong support system, and the strategies that helped Willy stay motivated through setbacks. Learn how to turn setbacks into comebacks and find inspiration in Willy’s story of resilience and determination.
Quotes
“One of the things I have to keep learning over and over again is patience. It takes a long time to improve upon where you’re at; fitness doesn’t come overnight. That’s something I have to keep in the back of my mind pretty consistently, especially because I race a lot.” (14:43 | Willy Fink)
“Sometimes if you have a bad race, you just have to tell yourself it’s okay. There will be other opportunities, and you shouldn’t put too much stock in every single race you run. It takes a lot of patience and self-control to enforce that in your mind. I feel like that’s been one of the biggest things for me.” (15:14 | Willy Fink)
“The goal was to run as well as possible at the Olympic trials, make the final in the 5k, and go from there. In March, dealing with a small tear in my Achilles required a lot of patience and inspiration from my teammates to push through and get healthy. It was crucial to wait for my injury to heal without pushing too hard, then start training again, focusing on not jumping back in too quickly and having the patience to be truly ready.” (17:09 | Willy Fink)
“As I started getting back into running, I began using the lever a lot. With an Achilles issue, putting too much weight on it can really mess things up, especially since running puts a lot of strain on your calf. Lowering the impact and weight on my Achilles was really helpful for running pain-free and gradually building up my mileage again.” (21:03 | Willy Fink)
Links
Connect with Willy Fink:
https://www.instagram.com/eaglewilly22/
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Lewis, a remarkable athlete whose journey from Baylor track star to professional triathlete is nothing short of inspiring. Danielle opens up about her experiences, including the highs and lows of her athletic career, from overcoming illness and injury to achieving incredible success in triathlon.
Listen as Danielle shares her strategies for recovery, the importance of mental resilience, and how she balances training with a busy schedule. Hear about her recent races, including her standout performances at Roth and Lake Placid, and the unique challenges and triumphs she faced along the way.
Join us for an engaging and motivational conversation with Danielle Lewis, where we explore the mindset and determination required to pivot through life's challenges and emerge stronger. Whether you're an athlete, a sports enthusiast, or someone looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Danielle's story of resilience, recovery, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
"I realized, you know, I can do whatever I want to do if I just set my mind to do it."
Links
Connect with Danielle Lewis:
https://www.instagram.com/danilewistri/
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
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“You have to look at everything from the ground up to see if an area needs to be strengthened or mobilized,” says Dr. Josh Sanchez, a sports chiropractor and strength and conditioning specialist, as he breaks down the complexities of anterior knee pain. He emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive assessment, considering factors like muscle strength, IT band syndrome, and overall mechanics.
In this episode, Dr. Sanchez joins Brad Miles to discuss running injuries, rehabilitation, and the critical role of strength training for runners. He shares insights from his experience with the Bowerman Track Club Elite and his personal battles with quadricep tendonitis and a fibular stress fracture.
Dr. Sanchez emphasizes the need for balanced muscle strength, particularly between the quadriceps and hamstrings, to prevent common running injuries. He offers practical advice on exercises like single-leg Romanian deadlifts and Nordic hamstring curls to target these muscles effectively.
This episode underscores the value of a gradual reintroduction to running and a holistic approach to injury prevention and recovery. Dr. Sanchez talks about using the Lever to gradually reintroduce running and focusing on volume over intensity to avoid re-injury. His story highlights the importance of strength training and a comprehensive approach to injury prevention and recovery for runners.
Quotes
“If your hamstring is weak, if you think about it, you’re going to be way out in front. And so that means your arc, the amount of time and amount of tension and load that tendon and muscle complex take is going to be longer and experience potentially more force. So, you’re more likely to have anterior shin splints with having weak hamstrings is what I see a lot in clinical practice.” (19:05 | Dr. Josh Sanchez)
“There’s a lot of influencers that post: ‘Here’s an exercise for this kind of thing,’ but you have to look at everything from the ground up to see like, does this area need to be strengthened or does this area need to be mobilized? And even if a patient or athlete has anterior knee pain doesn’t necessarily mean that they have weak hamstrings or quadriceps. They could have a strong hamstring quadricep ratio, but they could still have knee pain. We’ve just got to figure out where it’s coming from.” (23:03 | Dr. Josh Sanchez)
“Find someone who works with runners or whatever sport you’re in and really break down your mechanics. It’s not just about the quads and hamstrings; it could be other things too. Someone can show you how to do exercises like Nordics or RDLs because you need to have stability before you can actually load up the area. If you’re all over the place and can’t concentrate that force, you won’t be effective. That’s why machines are helpful to start with.” (36:11 | Dr. Josh Sanchez)
Links
Connect with Josh Sanchez:
https://www.instagram.com/jsanchdc/
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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Sarah Svensk’s transition from doctor to triathlete illustrates her remarkable resilience and adaptability, overcoming substantial challenges to excel in a completely new field. Starting her triathlon journey in 2015 in Germany, Sarah quickly turned professional despite having no traditional background in endurance sports.
In this episode, Sarah discusses overcoming recurring injuries, notably stress fractures, and how adjusting her training and recovery strategies was crucial. She highlights her record-setting performances at Ironman Barcelona and Ironman Cozumel, emphasizing the role of rigorous training, expert coaching, and the Lever Movement system in maintaining her competitive edge and managing her recovery.
Sarah shares her ambitions for the upcoming season, including competing pain-free and aiming for the World Championships. She offers insights into managing bone stress injuries and balancing training with recovery, providing valuable advice for athletes facing similar setbacks.
Quotes
“There was an overlap when I was trying to balance working 50% and being a triathlete, but it was hard. It’s easy to get the training in, but to get the recovery and all the other necessary stuff, it’s very hard to balance with a day job, actually.” (02:05 | Sara Svensk)
“In the beginning, you get devastated when you get an injury. In triathlon, there are so many other things you can do. If you have these bone reactions, then you can usually swim and usually bike, so you can develop that side of the sport. But then mentally, it’s super hard and you lose the trust in your body… It’s just like regaining the trust in the body again. But then I’m also surprised because I always heal. The body’s amazing.” (16:03 | Sara Svensk)
“For the Mallorca race now, I didn't have the biggest build for the run. I think the longest run I did was 12k, but I had the lever. And I think that was a game changer for me, because then I could add on some mileage. First and foremost, I could start the run build a lot more secure and with lower impact. And then I could add some mileage and actually a little bit of speed.” (26:13 | Sara Svensk)
“The best thing is that almost all the stress fractures heal. And I think just stay calm in that. Take time off. Don’t stress about it. It will heal. Just give it time.” (39:45 | Sara Svensk)
Links
Connect with Sara Svensk:
https://www.instagram.com/svensksara/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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“I just fell in love with being able to work with athletes that are pursuing their goals and dreams,” says Lara Rogers, coach of the Under Armour Mission Run women’s team. In this episode, Lara shares her journey from coaching at the University of Cincinnati and Shippensburg University to her influential role at Under Armour.
Lara discusses the importance of trust and strong relationships in fostering athletic growth, reflecting on the team’s evolution from two to five athletes. She highlights recent achievements, including Ellie Leather’s personal best in the 3K and Lauren Ryan’s national record for Australia in the 5K. She attributes these achievements to the athletes’ relentless dedication and a nurturing team dynamic.
Listeners gain insights into transitioning from collegiate to professional coaching, with a focus on 5K training and the absence of a cross-country season for professionals. Lara explains how they integrate tools like the Lever Movement System, which alleviates physical stress while preserving training intensity. This episode emphasizes the significance of consistency, health, and mutual support within a high-performance sports environment, offering a compelling look at the complexities of coaching a top-tier women’s running team.
Quotes
“The biggest part for me is just the reward that you get from seeing athletes achieve the best out of themselves or get the best out of themselves. And that’s why I do it. And it’s something I don’t think I’ll ever want to stop doing.” (03:37 | Lara Rogers)
“At the end of the day, it’s just hard work over a long period of time and consistency that’s kind of leading to those breakthroughs that everybody’s seeing.” (09:25 | Lara Rogers)
“We have athletes on the lever and Ellie Leather specifically uses that every week for doubles for recovery runs, making sure that we’re taking a little bit of weight off but we’re still getting in the volume. And I think that’s also been super crucial for her and staying healthy. She is one of the athletes that’s taken some of the biggest steps this year. I attribute that a lot to being able to train and stay healthy and that consistency piece is key.” (13:19 | Lara Rogers)
“I think a big staple for any 5K runner is doing stuff at race pace.” (22:30 | Lara Rogers)
Links
Connect with Lara Rogers:
https://www.instagram.com/laralu12/
https://www.instagram.com/missionrun_baltdistance/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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“If I think about the biggest impact anything’s had on my life, running has probably had the largest impact,” says Thomas Neuberger, the founder of Believe in the Run. Thomas reflects on his initial experiences in running and how a personal blog documenting his TransRockies race training evolved into a leading voice in running gear reviews.
Thomas shares the importance of community in running, highlighting how he started the Faster Bastards—a running club that fosters camaraderie through events and shakeout runs.
Tune in to gain insights into the continuous innovation in running footwear, including a recent trip to Adidas Headquarters. Learn about Thomas’s top running shoe picks for training and racing, and discover how he utilizes the Lever Movement system for injury recovery.
Quotes
“When the website started up for TransRockies, I started getting inquiries and people were asking, ‘what gear are you wearing? What are you doing? You’re doing a lot of mileage to gear up for this challenge, what type of gear are you using?’ So I started talking about it. And as I started talking about it, people cared less about what training I was doing and more about the gear I was wearing. So I learned really quickly, like, ‘Oh, if I want attention, talk about the gear.’ And so it quickly became a very gear-centric place to be.” (10:44 | Thomas Neuberger)
“When you’re running, it’s not necessarily an expensive sport, but if you want all the gear and stuff, it gets expensive pretty quick.” (11:24 | Thomas Neuberger)
“We’re in a really nice moment in the running shoe industry where there’s a lot of good product out there.” (23:56 | Thomas Neuberger)
Links
Connect with Thomas Neuberger:
https://www.instagram.com/tfneuberger/
https://www.instagram.com/believeintherun/
https://believeintherun.com/
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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What keeps Dutch Olympian Mike Foppen running despite setbacks and injuries? This episode dives into his athletic journey from soccer player to national record holder in track, exploring the challenges and triumphs he’s faced, including his recovery from an injury at the Tokyo Olympics. Mike discusses his transition to full-time running, his goal to break the sub-13-minute barrier in the 5k, and how the Lever system has been crucial in his training and recovery phases.
Listeners will gain insights into the demanding world of elite athletics, discovering how Mike handles injuries, prepares for major competitions like the Olympics, and utilizes modern training aids to enhance performance. Whether you’re an aspiring runner or a seasoned sports fan, this episode provides a thorough insight into overcoming obstacles and pursuing excellence in high-stakes competition.
Quotes
“I’m basically preparing for the Olympics as if I’m already qualified.” (07:51 | Mike Foppen)
“We’re always balancing on a thin line when it comes to injuries and training, but I think I didn’t go too far, I would say. I just took a lot of risks last year. And it’s part of the game.” (11:35 | Mike Foppen)
“I think for rehabilitation, it was mostly the exercises that really helped my tendons. So you got to build up, of course. I started doing alternative training first, I think, so not directly running. I really wanted three full weeks of running then started building that up with the lever. Actually, that’s where the lever got involved as well. I borrowed it from another runner I know. That really helped me in the build up by just increasing the mileage, but being able to keep it under control.” (24:14 | Mike Foppen)
Links
Connect with Mike Foppen:
https://www.instagram.com/mikefoppen/
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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“Going into Ultraman, it was making it to the starting line healthy and proving to myself that I could do big things healthy. I did that and I succeeded,” says Ultraman athlete Katie Solbo. In this episode, the seasoned triathlete discusses the extreme challenges of competing in one of the world's most grueling endurance races.
Recently securing the second female spot in an Ultraman event—just minutes behind the leader—Katie delves into her meticulous preparation and race performance. She shares details of her specialized training regimen for the Ultraman. After overcoming multiple foot surgeries, Katie adopted a training approach focused on low-intensity, high-volume workouts, advised by her coach. This strategy incorporated the use of the Lever to minimize impact and aid recovery crucial for building endurance and managing fatigue in such a demanding race.
Katie also explores broader strategies for tackling extreme physical challenges, discussing sustainable training methods and the mental toughness required for ultra-endurance events. Her insights are valuable for athletes considering an Ultraman race, emphasizing the importance of consistent, gentle training and thorough mental preparation for formidable competitions.
Quotes
“I got into this sport just by the allure of fitness itself. And then I was like, ‘Oh, I wonder what it looks like to do all three together.’ And so I fell face first in the triathlon. And my why has been geared towards achieving bigger and greater things for me. So whether that was a world championship or a PR and like an everyday role out of bed, it’s like I want to be faster, better, stronger. That’s my ultimate goal.” (03:09 | Katie Solbo)
“Going into Ultraman, it was making it to the starting line healthy and proving to myself that I could do big things healthy. I did that and I succeeded.” (03:38 | Katie Solbo)
“The biggest lesson I learned—and I definitely took that into the Ultraman Florida training—was that the lever is my best friend. For my body, for the way my muscles recover, for my propensity of injury, I needed to put much more emphasis on staying on the lever than having outdoor miles. The importance was just there for me.” (12:28 | Katie Solbo)
“I don’t think Ultraman is unattainable for anyone. If you are dedicated and you have a couple years of just consistent training under your belt. Because when it comes down to it, I look back, I relied so heavily on years of consistent training to allow me to get to the finish line. And that’s what it takes.” (30:31 | Katie Solbo)
Links
Connect with Katie Solbo:
https://www.instagram.com/tri_kat23/
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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What motivates an Olympian when faced with setbacks? In this episode, three-time Olympian and renowned Scottish athlete Eilish McColgan delves into the various aspects of her athletic career. Eilish discusses her upbringing in a family of elite runners, her experiences dealing with challenging injuries, and her approach to training and competing.
Eilish shares how her parents—both accomplished athletes—nurtured her love for running without imposing pressure, allowing her to pursue the sport on her own terms. Despite encountering mental and physical hurdles, such as a critical injury prior to the London Marathon, Eilish persevered through a difficult recovery marked by misdiagnoses and setbacks, which strengthened her mental resilience and shaped her approach to overcoming obstacles.
Discussing her evolution in training, Eilish highlights the importance of integrating cross-training and recovery strategies into her regimen to manage her workload effectively. The Lever, a key tool in her recovery phases, aids in adjusting training intensity and volume to prevent recurring injuries. Eilish also stresses the significance of maintaining a healthy balance between athletic pursuits and personal well-being, advising against sacrificing life's joys for sporting success.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Paris Olympics, Eilish shares her aspirations, detailing her current training focuses and the strategic preparations she and her team are undertaking to ensure peak performance. Her balanced approach to sport and career exemplifies her role as a model of resilience in professional athletics.
Quotes
“I’m not someone who goes to bed dreaming of becoming an Olympic champion or anything like that. I’ve never, ever been that type of person. I literally just enjoy trying to run my own PB, whether I come first in a race or last in a race, but I've run a PB, that for me is what is the motivating factor. I like that feeling of pushing yourself and knowing that you’ve done it.” (02:54 | Eilish McColgan)
“As an athlete, I always want to keep pushing, I want to do more.” (09:06 | Eilish McColgan)
“Now I have a much better balance with my training of recovery, of having a day off every week, using things like the lever, just small things like that, just reducing my load.” (11:49 | Eilish McColgan)
“Cross-training is a huge part of my program. I’d say over the last five years that’s been implemented and has just completely changed the way that I train. (12:01 | Eilish McColgan)
“The hardest part is getting a qualifying time. There’s not a huge amount of 10k races of that high level across the world. To be able to have my time and know that that’s banked is definitely a good feeling. Obviously, because I’ve been injured, I still need to show fitness and form towards my federation, so I have until the end of June to do that. We have our British Championships at the very end of June, so it’ll be up to me to try and prove that I'm... I don't need to be breaking records and setting PBs, but I certainly need to show that I am moving towards that Olympic standard again.” (33:19 | Eilish McColgan)
Links
Connect with Eilish McColgan:
https://www.instagram.com/eilishmccolgan/
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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Can one return to form as an ultra runner with just two months of a recovery program? Stefanie Flippin, a Lululemon athlete, is living proof that it's possible. In this episode, Stefanie takes us through her journey as a physician, a professional runner and a coach. She discusses her recovery and training following a bone stress injury that sidelined her at the end of 2023. This eventually culminated in her triumphant performance at the Lululemon FURTHER event—a six-day ultramarathon spanning over 100 miles.
Stefanie touches on the specific challenges and adjustments in her training leading up to the Lululemon FURTHER event, particularly her cautious approach following her recovery from COVID-19 and a subsequent stress reaction in her sacrum. Thanks to the Lever system, she managed a controlled and effective return to running, gradually increasing her outdoor activity while managing the load on her body to prevent further injury.
Beyond her achievements, Stefanie is deeply committed to fostering growth within the trail running community, promoting diversity, and improving accessibility within the sport. Her story is an example of resilience, strategic recovery, and the innovative use of training tools like the Lever Movement system to overcome setbacks.
Quotes
“I’m really opposed to the idea of waiting until your golden years. People just work so, so hard. You can work hard but still enjoy the moment that you’re in now and not waste—I don’t want to say waste your youth—but these are the golden years. Every moment is that. I don’t think that we should wait until we’re 65 to pursue what sets our heart on fire.” (16:09 | Stefanie Flippin)
“What do I actually want to accomplish in this sport? Is it purely performance-oriented? And I came to the conclusion that it’s actually not. My performance goals are very important to me and I feel like I hold those tightly in one hand. But on the other hand, I feel like it’s also just as important to me to build community, to empower other runners, to build diversity in this sport, and to make it as accessible as possible.” (19:34 | Stefanie Flippin)
“Regardless if the athlete wants to continue on, I want them to have a good and positive empowering experience with the race and just their training along the way so that it’s not something where they cross the finish line hating the sport and the experience they just had.” (24:14 | Stefanie Flippin)
“It was really, really nice to have the lever system where I could just offload a ton of body weight, but then just run for 20 minutes. And it actually feels like overground running without that stop, start, stop, start.” (34:01 | Stefanie Flippin)
“I want to get a good feeling racing. Not to say that it’s non-competitive, but just something that feels good. And I think that that’s always smart. That’s something that I recommend to any level of athlete entering back after injury. You don’t need to stress yourself out by entering into a national championship race. Just set joyful goals, make it fun again.” (44:07 | Stefanie Flippin)
Links
Connect with Stefanie Flippin:
https://www.instagram.com/stefanieannflippin/
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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Each year, 80% of runners face injuries. Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards, the head physical therapist for the Atlanta Track Club, addresses this high incidence of running injuries. She brings a wealth of experience, from authoring books and conducting pivotal research to hosting her own podcast and running a specialized PT practice for runners and triathletes. She also introduces RunSource, an app designed by her company, FastBananas, to transform runners' approaches to training and recovery.
Dr. Kate emphasizes the holistic care provided at the Atlanta Track Club, where her holistic approach extends beyond treating physical injuries, considering athletes' mental and emotional health. She details how the club's integrated team of dietitians, psychologists, and chiropractors works together to prevent overtraining and boost performance by prioritizing the overall health of each athlete.
By discussing the risks of following popular fitness and diet trends without considering individual needs, Dr. Kate stresses the importance of expert guidance. She points out the benefits of using heart rate variability (HRV) tracking as a tool for monitoring training loads and preventing overtraining. Her clinical use of the Lever system is particularly beneficial for postpartum athletes and those recovering from stress fractures or managing tendinopathies. The system, an essential part of injury recovery prehab, allows athletes to train effectively while minimizing injury risks by offloading some of their body weight.
Dr. Kate reminds runners to listen to their bodies and adjust their training schedules accordingly. She stresses the importance of rest, recovery, and not being rigidly tied to training plans.
Quotes
“Runners getting injured hasn't changed in 40 years. The same amount of runners are getting injured all of the time. And no matter what happens from a shoe standpoint, or what happens in terms of like the coolest technology out there, or that we're tracking this, we're tracking that, nothing has changed. I believe that nothing has changed because we haven't really looked at the athlete from that holistic view.” (08:31 | Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards)
“You have to know what overtraining is, what it looks like and what impacts it. I would say the No. 1 thing is stress, whether it's mental, emotional or physical.” (12:04 | Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards)
“80% of runners are injured and it's happened for 40 years and nothing has changed. All of the things that I've seen with the track club in the last three years and seeing the resources that they've had that have really helped them, I thought, ‘Why can't everybody have these same resources?’ And a lot of the people that are experts in the field are unavailable to most people, because we're too busy. We've got a zillion projects going on, we're booked out, or we're too expensive, and you can't get in to see us. So I decided to say to all the experts I know, ‘Hey guys, let's get together, create this app and give this information to people.’ So maybe we have a chance to start decreasing this trend of getting injured and help people reach those performance levels that they want without getting injured because you can't be a high performer if you end up injured.” (17:12 | Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards)
“What's really cool about the lever is that you can add that mileage, get that time on the ground, but it takes you away from that line a little bit, which is what I like.” (26:26 | Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards)
Links
Connect with Dr. Kate:
https://www.instagram.com/precisionpt_atl/ https://www.fastbananas.com/
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm -
From a devastating bike crash to a triumphant win at Patagonman, Laura Siddall, known to many as Sid, is a prime example of determination and resilience. Transitioning from the corporate grind in Australia, she embraced the rigorous demands of professional triathlon—a sport she leaped into at age 29 and quickly dominated at the amateur level before moving into the professional ranks.
Sid shares the challenges she faced early in her professional career, including securing sponsorships and adapting to the intense competitive environment. She delves into her experience with injuries, particularly a serious bike crash in Brazil that resulted in a brain bleed. She describes the intense recovery process, emphasizing the mental challenges that accompanied her physical recovery: the unexpected emotional toll and the difficulty of regaining her pre-accident form.
Despite the setbacks, Sid managed to return to competition, participating in the Ironman World Championship in Kona and later winning the Patagonman—an event known for its extreme conditions, ranging from a frigid swim to a grueling, self-supported run. She emphasizes the crucial role of rest and recovery in her career, especially post-accident, highlighting how the Lever Movement system was pivotal during her injury rehabilitation. It has since become a key component of her training for enhancing performance and refining technique.
Sid's story is a reminder of how professional athletes go through complexities of recovery and competition, highlighting the realities of professional sports and the mental and physical strength required to succeed in the long run.
Quotes
“There's this huge transition from an amateur to professional. And you kind of get caught up initially into like, ‘I've got to get results. I've got to get sponsors. How am I going to survive?’ Well, actually, just put your head down. Adjust to the training, adjust to that kind of a new life, and the results hopefully will come and then you can get your name out and then you can start approaching for sponsorship and support.” (10:47 | Laura Siddall)
“When I turned professional, I had no plan of what I would achieve. I just wanted to think, ‘Okay, if I give it my full 100% attention, how good can I be for myself?’ And I would say it's definitely been up and down. Life sport is, you know, the highs are high, the lows are lows. It's also what makes the highs sweeter, so to speak, when you've kind of got those lows. It's all relative. It's sports. It's not a critical industry of the world, so to speak. We're very lucky to get to do or to choose to follow our passion. (12:17 | Laura Siddall)
“People ask me now, ‘Are you fully recovered? Are you back?’ Like, ‘Yeah, I'm back training and racing,’ but I don't think you ever return to who you were before a big accident. You can still be good, but it's just a different person, different way.” (15:16 | Laura Siddall)
“I don't particularly enjoy running on the treadmill, but having a lever system just makes it a whole different experience.” (47:31 | Laura Siddall)
Links
Connect with Laura Siddal:
https://www.instagram.com/lmsid/
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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Discover how embracing multi-sport training can redefine resilience and performance in endurance sports. Hillary Allen, renowned for her ultramarathon expertise and her remarkable comeback after a life-altering accident, shares her inspiring journey of integrating cycling into her training regimen to enhance her running performance and maintain a healthy balance.
Recounting the traumatic experience of her fall in a sky running race and the subsequent challenges of recovery, Hillary reflects on the deeper reasons behind her passion for running and competing. Her narrative goes beyond the conventional metrics of success, focusing instead on curiosity, exploration, and the joy of movement.
As a multi-sport athlete, Hillary balances her training between running and cycling—a combination that provides a refreshing mental diversion and enhances her trail running with strength-building cycling sessions, which mitigate the impact on her body. Her training is a blend of discipline and joy, encompassing running, cycling, and the strategic use of the Lever system to facilitate recovery and manage training intensity, especially after undergoing surgery for bone spurs in her ankle.
In this episode, listeners will learn about the benefits of multi-sport training, the importance of resilience and mental strength during recovery, and finding motivation beyond competition. As a bonus, listeners of this episode will receive a 20% discount on any Lever Movement devices and the Lever Pro Shorts by using the code HillyGoat.
Quotes
"The reason why I got into trail and ultrarunning was because I had that curiosity for the limits of human potential and how far I could go." (02:32 | Hillary Allen)
"It's been an interesting saga of getting back from injuries, pivoting and seeing how it's really forced me to grow as an athlete and a person to really ask again these questions: 'Why do I want to keep doing this?' 'Why do I want to keep running and competing and doing all this other stuff?' and 'How can I do it differently that actually supports my new body?'" (05:40 | Hillary Allen)
"I've fully embraced the multi-sport athlete life. And I think that it first came from trying cycling as a way to get back from injury, from some ankle injuries. It was a quicker way for me to start to move again." (12:31 | Hillary Allen)
"What I love about being a multi-sport athlete is, I feel like mentally, it gives me a break. I'm not just doing the same thing." (16:54 | Hillary Allen)
"I started using the lever system as a way to add in running volume while doing it more purposefully. I could actually temper how much weight I was loading on my tendon as it was kind of getting used to the pounding of running, which I think was absolutely game changing." (26:31 | Hillary Allen)
Links
Connect with Hillary Allen:
https://www.instagram.com/hillygoat_climbs/
https://www.hillaryallen.com/
https://levermovement.com/discount/Hillygoat
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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What makes the 800-meter race one of the most challenging and intriguing events in track and field? Tom Brumlik, the driving force behind the coaching of 800-meter athletes for Under Armour's Mission Run Team, has the answers to this question. Alongside host Brad Miles, they discuss the complexities of coaching this event, explore the philosophies behind Tom’s approach and the strategies he has implemented to enhance his athletes' performances.
From his initial days coaching at the high school level to playing a significant role at American University under Coach Matt Centrowitz, Tom shares his journey and the founding of the District Track Club. He acknowledges the impact that mentors like Matt Centrowitz and Drew Mearns have had on his career, shaping his views on coaching and athlete development.
Tom’s coaching ethos–rooted in a passion for competition and helping athletes achieve their highest potential–truly shines through when he discusses coaching the 800-meter. Detailing a week in his training program, he reveals the delicate balance between aerobic base building, endurance work, sprint sessions, and essential recovery periods. A key component in this regimen is the Lever Movement system that enabled his athletes to increase their training volume without the wear and tear. This is exemplified by the improvements in both aerobic capacity and race times of one of his athletes.
Quotes
"I've always just been attracted to the complexity of the event, the amount of difference, the amount of different skills and knowledge that you have to have to understand the event. Cause again, you gotta be a sprint coach and you have to be a distance coach." (22:13 | Tom Brumlik)
"We found a lot of good success in getting athletes to be able to get a lot of volume on those Monday base work days with the lever." (25:34 | Tom Brumlik)
"If you're not aerobically fit, you're not going to put together a good 800.” (39:10 | Tom Brumlik)
"In general, our athletes have developed a lot aerobically because of utilizing the lever and we have eight athletes right now. A couple of them are due to the program. But with that group specifically, we've just been able to get in a lot of really, really high-level aerobic work, keep it in the right parameters, make sure it's truly something that's going to help you develop aerobically.” (39:26 | Tom Brumlik)
Links
Connect with Tom Brumlik:
https://www.instagram.com/missionrun_balt800/
https://twitter.com/TH_Brumlik
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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How does a distance coach transform a group of individual athletes into a cohesive and successful running team? Cory Leslie, the head coach of the Under Armour Mission Run Distance Team in Baltimore, Maryland, walks us through the beginnings of this professional team, their journey to success, and the guiding philosophy: consistent effort yields results over time.
Cory shares how the Under Armour team was formed, why Baltimore was chosen for training, and how Under Armour's excellent facilities and wellness team have been crucial. He breaks down the steps to building a winning running team from the ground up.
Team dynamics, the critical balance between training and health, and recent indoor season triumphs underline the conversation, with personal bests and notable performances signaling the team's rising trajectory. Cory emphasizes the Lever system's integral role in both rehabilitation and daily training and recovery, advising athletes to embrace such innovations to stay competitive.
Tune into this episode of “Run Fast, Run Forever” to hear Cory share his ambitions for the Boston Marathon, the buzz around the team's outdoor season, and their journey towards the Olympics. Discover training insights on achieving excellence and innovation in running.
Quotes
“I think our success comes down to putting the right people in place. We're a very selfish sport. We are a sport where, ultimately, your goals and your dreams, you have to be a bit selfish with that. So it was pleasantly surprising to the guys that care about each other's success as much as they do to see them excited and feed off of the things that each other are doing. And so when we have that, that's when we kind of took off.” (11:56 | Cory Leslie)
“As a coach, when you're kind of nitpicking and splitting hairs and trying to find those additional 1%, you're in a really good place. And so for us, it's not necessarily reinventing the wheel. It's just building off of what we've done in the past and learning from some of those things that I wish I would have done a little bit differently as a coach last year, putting those in place this year and not getting too carried away. No matter how excited I get when these guys start to exceed expectations and race results, staying the course, I think it kind of keeps me in check now too, and not getting too carried away and throwing more of these guys than what we had maybe initially planned. Because if what we're doing is working, if we stay the course and we stay healthy and we keep checking the box, we don't need to hit home runs. We just check the box every day.” (18:22 | Cory Leslie)
“If you're the one feeling good that day and other people aren't, it's your job to pull your teammates along and make sure that they're getting through things you know as well. And then you're going to have a day where you need to rely on them to do it for you.” (24:16 | Cory Leslie)
“When I say we're running 115 miles, it's 115 miles in 9 days for some of our guys. 20 of those miles are on the Lever. It's not because they aren’t healthy and they are coming back from an injury. It's because we know it's going to keep us healthy.” (29:26 | Cory Leslie)
Links
Connect with Cory Leslie:
https://www.instagram.com/missionrun_baltdistance/
https://www.instagram.com/cory_leslie/
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm -
Injuries often mark a decline in a runner's performance, but what if they could actually pave the way to greater achievements? Dr. Jeremy Boyd, with his deep expertise in physical therapy and the founder of Trifecta Therapeutics Sports Rehabilitation and Performance, explores this intriguing idea. He delves into the common overuse injuries that challenge runners, from Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis to knee discomfort and IT band syndrome, offering a roadmap for not just returning to the track but doing so with renewed strength.
Dr. Jeremy also explains the psychological journey of recovery, helping athletes to rebuild the confidence shattered by injury. With his own marathon accomplishments fueling his passion, he brings a relatable and informed perspective to the challenges runners face. Listeners will gain insights into return-to-run protocols tailored to each runner's unique circumstances, emphasizing the critical benchmarks for a safe and effective comeback.
The conversation explores the variable recovery timelines, a typically four to eight-week period before runners can safely hit the pavement again. Leveraging a lever system in rehabilitation is a game-changer because he finds it offers a way to recover more quickly and with significantly less discomfort. Dr. Jeremy shares his perspective that injury offers athletes a unique opportunity to get stronger, both physically and mentally. He cites numerous instances where runners have not only bounced back from injuries but have also shattered their personal records, turning setbacks into remarkable triumphs.
Quotes
“I always thought to go beyond just a classic physical therapy space. With wellness and more psychology in mind." (06:36 | Dr. Jeremy Boyd)
"When you break down running, it's essentially one controlled hop into another for thousands of repetitions. So being able to control it, assess how a person does, seeing the confidence in it, because it's not just a pure distance or numbers thing, it's how a person does it, how they feel about it." (18:13 | Dr. Jeremy Boyd)
"We see a ton of ACL injuries or surgeries or post-op, Achilles tendon rehabs, pretty much everything. I think the lever system is really great for that." (39:05 | Dr. Jeremy Boyd)
"Any injury, whether it's repetitive use or traumatic injury, can be a springboard. Instead of viewing it as like, oh, this sucks. I'm not going to be able to run. I'm not going to take months off. I'm not going to be able to hit where I used to hit. It is an opportunity to be like a springboard to a better you in the sense." (41:17 | Dr. Jeremy Boyd)
"Once you have an injury, we can work on all these things, work on some strength and capacity that you didn't know. I'll throw this out there. Strength training for runners is excellent. If you really want to get into PRs, all the research supports that. Mixing up your workouts, adding some strength training will really, really help kind of push you and then just make you overall more resilient." (43:09 | Dr. Jeremy Boyd)
Links
Connect with Dr. Jeremy Boyd:
https://www.trifectatherapeutics.com/
https://www.instagram.com/trifectatherapeutics/
Connect with Brad Miles:
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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Embarking on an ultramarathon journey while juggling the roles of a wife, mother, and entrepreneur is no small feat. Yet, Beth McKenzie, co-founder of WYN Republic and an ultramarathon enthusiast, navigates this complex landscape with grace and resilience. In our conversation, Beth delves into her rigorous training schedules, recounts overcoming obstacles like a stress fracture, and reveals how she strategically aligns her athletic ambitions with her responsibilities at work and home. Her unwavering dedication to running not only highlights her passion for the sport but also serves as a testament to her remarkable ability to maintain balance in all facets of her life.
Beth recounts her experience at the 2022 California International Marathon where she narrowly missed qualifying for the US Olympic Trials. Her decision to step back from the pursuit of Olympic qualification reflects a deep understanding of her body's limits and the realization that longevity in her career is paramount. She is gearing up for this year's 100K Tarawera Ultramarathon, with guidance from renowned coaches David and Megan Roche. She sees this participation as a way to tap into her love for running. She's not out to grab the top spot. Instead, she's in it to push her boundaries, discover what she's truly capable of, and learn how her body responds to intense challenges.
Tune into this episode of "Run Fast, Run Forever" for a closer look at Beth's journey, her training, and lifestyle. Learn the principles of balance and sustainability, along with the relentless pursuit of personal bests in the world of long-distance running.
Quotes
"As far as why I'm running, I think just now into my mid-40s, it's the kind of thing that I can do the most efficiently and the best way to get some training, but also, for me, a way to still be able to challenge myself mentally and physically each day." (03:09 | Beth McKenzie)
"As soon as I found running in my late 20s, I knew it was something I wanted to do for life. For me, even in phases of my life where I'm not feeling competitive or not wanting to go on a start line, I'm still going to be getting out every day to run on the trails, to just decompress, to get away from everything else and just be on my own as well." (04:23 | Beth McKenzie)
"I honestly aspire to be a hobby jogger. I think that's a great thing. It's that longevity. It's having that in your life on a daily basis to give you joy." (08:21 | Beth McKenzie)
"My real wish though, is that I had a lever coming back from pregnancy and during pregnancy. You could just sell levers to pregnant women because seriously, the amount it could have helped me in those stages of life is ridiculous. While you're pregnant, taking off some of the weight, having that freedom to run and then afterwards returning to running. But while you're still carrying some extra weight, it would have been so valuable." (32:29 | Beth McKenzie)
"I think that's one of the exciting things about just having the type of company that we do is like, just the ability to help people is like the name of the game for us, right? Whether it's someone coming back from a stress fracture or wanting to get back from fitness post-pregnancy, like my wife just gave birth to our third child a week ago. So even using it for her just to kind of get back to her quote unquote fitness and doing what she loves to do again. She loves the gym and to do gym workouts and things like that. But just to be able to move your body again post-pregnancy is really important." (33:04 | Brad Miles)
Links
Connect with Beth McKenzie:
https://www.instagram.com/bethgmckenzie/
https://wynrepublic.com/
Connect with Brad Miles:
https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/
https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/
https://levermovement.com/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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