The Multifaceted Athlete with Coaching Klutz

In this episode of The Multifaceted Athlete, Kelly returns after a hiatus to discuss her 2024 experiences and 2025 goals. She shares the reasons behind her transition from full-time coaching to re-entering the data world, emphasizing her passion for coding and the challenges of balancing an introverted nature with the demands of coaching. 

Kelly also outlines her running plans, including races like the San Diego 5K and the Vail Hill Climb, while contemplating her training focus for the new year. 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

00:11 Reflecting on Past Episodes

00:44 New Year, New Beginnings

01:25 Life Updates and Career Changes

02:19 The Joy of Coding

04:08 Balancing Coaching and Personal Life

06:34 Transitioning Back to Data Work

11:18 Job Search and New Opportunities

13:35 Current Life and Podcasting Challenges

14:39 Podcast Evolution and Future Plans

15:14 Reflecting on Past Episodes

15:46 Seeking Listener Feedback

16:35 Balancing Work, Training, and Life

19:08 Race Plans and Training Challenges

22:56 Considering New Training Approaches

26:07 Wrapping Up and Listener Engagement

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Welcome back to the Multifaceted Athlete podcast! After a three-month break, we jump straight into Erin's first time 100-mile ultramarathon experience at the Oregon Cascades 100, and Audrey’s first time pacing at a 100! 

Erin's adventure is packed with hilarious toddler moments, mental battles, and even hallucinations of a six-pack of beer! 

We dig into the training, the sacrifices made, the day off, and the recovery time needed for such a feat. 

Plus, discover the importance of community, dealing with challenges like asthma, and whether Erin's ultra-racing shoes are retired or ready for more. It’s an emotional rollercoaster filled with perseverance, laughter, and heartfelt stories!

00:00 Welcome Back to the Multifaceted Athlete

00:21 Meet Erin and Audrey

01:48 Erin's Journey to the 100-Mile Distance

03:52 Choosing the Oregon Cascades 100

05:51 Audrey's Excitement and Preparation

09:32 Pre-Race Jitters and Final Preparations

18:04 The Race Begins: Early Miles and First Aid Stations

31:37 Running with Kayleigh: Sunset, Asthma, and Hallucinations

41:20 Pacing with Audrey: Overcoming the Darkest Hours

45:07 Pushing Through the Pain

47:25 Mental Strategies for Ultra Running

48:40 Hallucinations and Night Running

50:08 Audrey's Fall and Recovery

55:23 Final Stretch with Rob

59:35 Crossing the Finish Line

01:03:09 Post-Race Struggles and Recovery

01:11:32 Reflecting on the 100-Mile Journey

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In this episode, Kelly dives into the results of a recent sweat test, exploring her sodium loss numbers and the implications for hydration and performance. 

The discussion includes a step-by-step explanation of the testing process, insights into the significance of sweat and sodium loss, and personalized recommendations based on the results. 

Plus, learn how to apply this information to your own training and racing strategy. 

Enjoy!

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:37 Sweat Test Process Explained

03:07 Interpreting Sweat Test Results

06:07 Sodium Loss and Hydration Strategies

08:47 Practical Applications and Recommendations

14:53 Race Day Hydration Methods

23:32 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

This week, Kelly shares a detailed recap of the Vail Hill Climb race from July 6th. She discusses her lack of specific training, the benefits of increasing running volume, and the experience of the race itself. 

Comparing this year's performance to last year's, Kelly emphasizes the importance of course knowledge and the advantages of familiarity with the race. 

Join the conversation and get inspired to take on the Vail Hill Climb next year!

00:00 Welcome and Podcast Updates

01:27 Recap of the Vail Hill Climb

04:56 Training and Preparation Insights

12:33 Race Day Experience

16:45 Race Strategy and Early Miles

18:06 Tackling the Toughest Part of the Race

21:02 Final Mile and Beating Last Year's Time

24:40 Fueling and Hydration Insights

26:30 Race Day Conditions and Conclusion

28:06 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

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In this episode, Kelly is joined by Jillian, founder of Rise and Reign and fellow Coaches Collective member.

Jillian discusses the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from college athletics to adult running, dealing with injuries, and the impact of postpartum running.

She emphasizes the importance of pelvic floor therapy and the mental and physical adjustments postpartum running demands. 

Jillian also discusses balancing fitness with new motherhood, celebrating small wins, and maintaining personal ambitions.

She introduces her coaching philosophy, Rise and Reign, and offers valuable advice and inspiration for postpartum athletes. 

Jillian’s story culminates in her completing the Boston Marathon, showcasing the resilience and strength of postpartum runners.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:54 Jillian's Running Journey

03:52 Transition from College to Adult Running

06:32 Postpartum Running Challenges

12:53 Pregnancy and Running

23:22 Postpartum Recovery and Return to Running

35:48 Encouragement and Congratulations

35:59 Postpartum Running: When to Start?

38:07 Medical System and Postpartum Recovery

42:21 Balancing Fitness and Motherhood

45:23 Breastfeeding and Running

51:30 Training for Boston Marathon

55:07 Boston Marathon Experience

01:06:34 Motherhood and Athletic Identity

01:17:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Links:

This episode is actually a clip of episode 26 of Lifting, Running and Lifting with Kelly and JK! As a running podcast, it was only fitting to bring that topic over here.

In this episode, Kelly dives into an in-depth review of running training plans generated by ChatGPT. 

She covers three specific plans: a 1:45 half marathon, a 2:30 half marathon, and a 50K ultra. Kelly analyzes what she likes and dislikes about each plan, pointing out strengths such as weekly structure and deload weeks while highlighting significant issues like excessive long runs, insufficient explanation of speed work, and problematic taper periods. 

The episode concludes with insights on the future of fitness coaching and the potential role of AI-generated plans supported by human expertise.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:21 ChatGPT Running Plans Introduction

03:13 Half Marathon Plan: 1:45 Time Goal

20:18 Half Marathon Plan: 2:30 Time Goal

27:18 Understanding Intervals and Tempo

27:51 Nutrition and Hydration Tips

28:14 Half Marathon Plan Insights

28:42 Introduction to the 50K Plan

30:30 Weekly Schedule Breakdown

30:49 Strength Training and Deload Weeks

32:12 Additional Tips for Long Runs

32:58 Critique of Speed Work and Long Run Progression

39:10 Final Thoughts on Training Plans

47:24 Future of Fitness Coaching

53:51 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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Hot off the press! We finally got the results from the GoFundMe campaign for Spring Energy Awesomesauce plus a variety of other brands, plus results from Jason Koop's lab analysis on Spring as well.

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I’m so excited to welcome Olivia to the podcast this week!

Olivia shares her journey from ballet to running, starting with a 10K and progressing to marathons and trail running.

She discusses her career in tech sales, inspired by her passion for marketing gained through brand ambassadorships, primarily with Saucony. Olivia also talks about her involvement with the Pride and Remembrance Run, where she serves on the board and helps organize the event.

The conversation covers her training routines, the importance of mental toughness, fueling strategies, and balancing multiple interests. Lastly, Olivia highlights her top running memories, including the pride and joy she felt seeing the impact of her work on the community.

00:00 Welcome to the Multifaceted Athlete Podcast with Olivia Levy

01:24 Olivia's Running Journey: From Ballet to Marathons

07:06 The Mental and Physical Challenges of Marathon Running

11:31 Achieving a Personal Best: Olivia's 10K Race Story

19:23 The Impact of Group Training on Running Performance

23:17 Navigating Career Paths: From Law to Tech Sales

26:53 Discovering a Career Through Social Media

27:11 Integrating Hobbies and Career Paths

28:34 The Impact of Volunteering and Community Involvement

29:45 Balancing a Multifaceted Life

31:23 Exploring Personality and Work Styles

33:55 The Joy of Trail Running

36:01 Brand Partnerships and Running Gear Insights

38:37 Learning from Running Mistakes

42:54 Reflecting on Top Running Memories

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I ran my first trail race of the year this past weekend! Let's talk about it.

I ran the Valkyrie trail races last year and had to return this year for the 8 mile loop that I looooved. Listen in as I chat about the race last year, why I switched distances this year, how the race went, and why I recommend every grabs some girl friends to run a race together.

Enjoy!

00:00 Introduction and Unexpected Solo Episode

00:09 First Trail Race of the Year Recap

00:16 Spring Energy Update

00:57 Valkyrie Trail Race Experience

04:07 Race Preparation and Challenges

05:17 Race Day Dynamics and Strategy

14:56 The Uphill Battle and Mental Strategies

17:46 The Thrill of Downhill Running

19:08 Unexpected Race Companionship

21:21 Fueling Challenges and Strategies

22:48 Rain Adds to the Adventure

23:57 Pushing Through to the Finish Line

28:20 Post-Race Reflections and Recovery

32:06 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Training

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This episode dives into the controversy surrounding Spring Energy's Awesome Sauce, a popular energy gel among runners. 

Recent discussions among athletes and on forums like Reddit have raised suspicions about the accuracy of the nutritional label claims made by Spring Energy, particularly the carbohydrate content and calorie count. 

Let’s dive in.

00:00 Welcome to the Solo Episode: A Deep Dive into the Spring Energy Awesome Sauce Debacle

01:41 Introducing Spring Energy: The Real Food Option for Runners

04:16 My Personal Journey with Spring Energy and Awesome Sauce

05:36 The Rising Costs of Spring Energy Gels

11:08 Investigating the Awesome Sauce Controversy: Dehydration Experiments and Reddit Debates

16:21 The Math Behind the Suspected Mislabeling

19:13 Why the Accuracy of Awesome Sauce's Label Matters

23:13 Wrapping up

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This episode features Kristen Schindler, the founder of Integrated Stride Coaching, discussing the importance of integrating mental health with physical training for athletes. 

She shares her personal journey from being a competitive runner influenced by significant coaches in her life to becoming a coach herself. 

Kristen emphasizes her approach to coaching is to help athletes realize their potential is greater than they imagined, highlighting the power of mental performance training, self-talk, and visualization in achieving athletic success. 

The conversation also touches on the profound impact of her soul dog, Jazz, which inspired her coaching company's logo and ethos. 

Kristen underscores the role of empathy, community support, and personal experiences in shaping her coaching philosophy, aligning with the idea that both physical and mental well-being are crucial for athletes' success.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode: Meet Kristen Schindler

01:22 Deep Dive into Kristen's Coaching Philosophy and Background

04:50 Kristen's Personal Running Journey and Influential Coaches

11:58 Navigating Challenges: From College Struggles to Coaching Success

18:48 The Power of Positive Influence and Overcoming Adversity

21:10 Embracing a Holistic Approach to Coaching and Athlete Well-being

28:41 Exploring the Intersection of Sports Psychology and Coaching

34:53 Embracing the Unknown: A Journey of Self-Discovery

37:00 The Power of Mental Performance in Sports

39:28 Transformative Moments: From Personal Struggles to Professional Growth

43:17 The Joy of Running: Finding Happiness in the Present

47:26The Role of Core Values in Personal and Professional Development

50:40 Mental Performance Training: Techniques and Daily Practices

55:12 Simplifying Life: The Art of Subtraction for Focus and Calm

58:15 Reflecting on the Impact of Social Media and Technology

01:00:58 Integrated Stride Coaching: A Tribute to a Beloved Companion

Links: 

In this episode, I delve into the captivating story of Sara, who started running just two years ago and has already completed her first ultra marathon.

Sara shares her journey from not being an athletic child to developing a love for running, leading her to pivot her life towards owning a coaching business, Strides of Confidence Coaching, that focuses on helping beginners and those new to the sport.

She provides insights into her training, the challenges of transitioning to self-employment, and her future aspirations, including running a 100 miler. 

Additionally, Sara discusses her past career in interior design and the motivational factors that drive her coaching philosophy. The conversation also covers the impact of moving to Bermuda, the role of her fiancé in her running journey, and her creative endeavors outside of running.

00:00 Introduction to the Multi-Faceted Athlete Podcast

00:47 Sara's Journey from Non-Athlete to Ultra Runner

02:17 The First Steps into Running: A New Challenge

05:52 Racing Experiences: From 5Ks to Ultras

14:49 The Ultra Marathon Experience: Pushing Limits

19:21 Reflecting on the Physical and Mental Challenges of Ultras

23:10 The Philosophy of Ultra Running

24:09 The Challenges of Weather in Running

27:07 Moving to Bermuda: A Life-Changing Decision

31:04 The Transition from Interior Design to Run Coaching

34:25 The Journey of Becoming a Running Coach

40:20 The Realities of Working for Yourself

47:05 Wrapping Up: Who Sara Loves to Coach

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This episode features Jamie Mittelman, the founder of Flame Bearers, a global storytelling platform celebrating the achievements of women Olympians and Paralympians. 

We discuss Jamie's journey, from her athletic background to her experiences at Harvard that led to the creation of Flame Bearers. 

We then delve into the importance of storytelling in sports, particularly for women and those with physical disabilities, who have historically received less media coverage. 

Jamie shares insights into the selection process for featured athletes, the values driving Flame Bearers, and the impact of her work, including future plans for coverage of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

The conversation also touches on the representation of athletes in media, the balance between athletes' responsibilities and media coverage, and the personal motivations behind Jamie's commitment to empowering female athletes through Flame Bearers.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode and Guest Jamie Mittelman

01:23 Jamie’s Background and the Genesis of Flame Bearers

02:59 The Impact of Sports and the Olympic Dream

08:44 The Mission and Vision of Flame Bearers

15:59 Expanding Flame Bearers' Scope and Inclusivity

19:42 Choosing Stories and Athletes for Flame Bearers

22:38 Jamie's Favorite Story and Upcoming Interview

24:31 The Power of Staying True to Oneself: Caster Semenya's Story

25:06 Launching the Upcoming Season

25:27 Olympic Year Excitement and Climbing Sport Spotlight

27:46 Discovering New Sports: The Fascination with Modern Pentathlon

29:06 The Unique Challenges of Spectating and Commentating in Sports

34:33 Athlete Identity Beyond the Field: Transitioning from Sports

39:22 Special Edition Series and the Impact of Flame Bearers

41:48 The Personal Journey Behind Starting Flame Bearers

43:29 Celebrating Athlete Stories and Looking Towards the Future

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We gotta talk about the Flotrack deal, Team USA uniform release for the Paris Olympics, and the NCAA queen Parker Valby.

Enjoy!

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In this podcast episode, I dive deep into a conversation with Mason, a passionate runner with a profound journey from disliking hiking as a child to becoming a notable runner, including competing in college and eventually embracing trail running after college. 

Growing up in Southern California with access to beautiful trails, Mason initially detested hiking but discovered a love for running after outpacing his brother and engaging in sports like football and street hockey. Despite struggling in team sports due to his size, Mason found his stride in running, fueled by sibling rivalry and a desire to qualify for a school 'Olympics.' 

His journey took him to Furman University in South Carolina, where he continued running competitively but started feeling burnt out towards the end. The introduction to trail running rekindled his passion for the sport, leading to a shift towards running on trails post-graduation. 

Mason also discusses the dynamics of transitioning from Division 1 running to trail running, his interest in sub-ultra running for its speed and intensity, and his experiences and perspectives on running road marathons, including hitting 'the wall.' 

Moreover, the conversation touches on challenges like body image issues among male runners and the significance of embracing failures as learning opportunities. Mason shares upcoming runs and encourages engagement in sub-ultra and mountain races.

01:48 Welcome to the Podcast: Introducing Mason

02:20 From Hiking Hater to Running Enthusiast: Mason's Journey

08:14 The Transition from College Running to Trail Running

11:31 The Allure of Sub-Ultra Running: Mason's Passion

16:16 Addressing the Challenges of Media Coverage in Running

20:30 Redefining Athleticism: Embracing Shorter Distances

32:35 Addressing Body Image and Eating Disorders in Running

37:29 Mason's First Road Marathon Experience

46:09 Embracing Failure and Learning in Athletics

52:27 Sharing Personal Failure Stories: From Mountain Champs to Thailand

01:03:42 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Races and Goals

01:07:34 Connecting and Sharing: Where to Find More

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In this podcast episode, Kelly interviews Emelyn, an inspiring athlete and content creator who chronicles her running and triathlon training journey through social media.  Emelyn shares her athletic background starting from swimming as a child to eventually taking up running, kickboxing, and more recently, triathlon training including her preparation for her first Ironman event.  She dives into how she fell in love with running, her experience with marathons, and what led her to triathlon. Emelyn discusses the challenges and lessons learned along the way, particularly the logistics of triathlon training compared to running.  The conversation also covers the inception of her running group, Runtok, aimed at creating an inclusive community for runners of all paces.  Lastly, Emelyn touches upon her future goals, including running the Chicago marathon and possibly an Ultra trail run, emphasizing the importance of cross-training and having a supportive community. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast: Emelyn's Journey 00:12 From TikTok Connections to Marathon Beginnings 01:05 Emelyn's Athletic Background: Swimming to Kickboxing 02:35 The Transition to Running: A Love for the Community 07:33 Content Creation Evolution: From Beauty to Running 12:16 The Marathon Experience: Learning and Growing 18:13 Exploring Shorter Distances and Overcoming Burnout 28:40 A New Challenge: Training for Ironman and Wedding Planning 29:14 Navigating Challenges and Finding Support 30:19 The Journey from Running to Triathlon Training 32:47 The Complexities of Triathlon Training vs. Running 34:22 Fueling Strategies and Hydration Challenges 38:02 Building Community Through Running and Triathlon 43:57 The Transition to Triathlon: Adjustments and Anticipations 52:04 Exploring Future Adventures and Inspirations Links:

In this insightful podcast episode, Kelly welcomes Emily, a sport scientist from Precision Fuel and Hydration, to discuss the significance of nutrition, hydration, and fueling strategies for athletes.

Emily, who started as an intern and now works with a variety of athletes, shares her journey and the importance of data analysis in enhancing athletic performance.

The conversation delves into the science behind fueling and hydration, the impact of intensity and duration on carbohydrate needs, and the benefits of individualized nutrition plans.

Emily highlights the role of gut training in increasing carbohydrate intake, shares fascinating case studies from her work, including a significant improvement seen in a professional triathlete and a detailed strategy from a 24-hour running event. 

The discussion also covers practical advice for athletes on how to monitor their nutrition and hydration effectively and utilize resources like Precision's free online planner for optimal performance. 

This episode is packed with valuable insights for athletes looking to improve their performance through strategic nutrition and hydration.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast and Intro

02:46 Emily's Journey into Sport Science and Her Role at Precision

05:39 The Importance of Nutrition, Hydration, and Fueling for Athletes

06:37 Understanding Carbohydrates, Hydration, and Sodium for Optimal Performance

09:14 Personalizing Hydration and Fueling Strategies with Precision's Tools

19:28 Case Studies: Real-world Insights into Athlete Nutrition and Performance

25:30 The Power of Carbohydrates in Endurance Sports

26:42 Gut Training: The Key to Maximizing Carb Intake

27:39 Gender Differences in Fueling: Myth vs. Reality

29:03 Carb Recommendations: Beyond Body Size

30:18 Road vs. Trail: Fueling Strategies Compared

32:47 Case Studies: Insights and Improvements

35:51 Pushing the Limits: High Carb Intake Strategies

45:28 Personal Insights

Enjoy!

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Today, I cover strategies for adjusting training plans when unforeseen circumstances like illness, injury, or life events arise. 

This episode delves into practical advice for athletes on how to responsibly take time off and then ease back into training. Key points include recommendations on coming back from sickness; how to navigate training adjustments due to life events or injuries, emphasizing the importance of not overloading stress upon return; and advice on modifying or proceeding with training without trying to make up for lost days.

The episode concludes with encouragement for athletes to be flexible and forgiving with their training schedules and to prioritize long-term health and progress over short-term setbacks.

00:17 Intro to Adjusting your Training

02:26 Navigating Training Adjustments for Sickness

05:10 Life's Curveballs: Adjusting Training for Life Events

07:03 Navigating Training Adjustments for Injury

08:12 Strategic Training Adjustments: Moving Workouts and Missed Days

14:52 Embracing Flexibility in Training and Overcoming Comparison

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In this What’s What with Klutz episode, I provide personal training updates, highlights recent indoor track races emphasizing women's distance running (duh), and shares thoughts on the role and perceptions of influencers in the running community. 

After overcoming a foot injury, I talk about my return to training, detailing the excitement of running 35 miles over six days a week, alongside biking and strength training. I share plans to participate in upcoming races, including the Valkyrie trail race and the Vail hill climb, and hint at a birthday challenge involving running 34 miles. 

The episode then transitions to discuss the world of women's indoor track, celebrating recent achievements and expressing enthusiasm for the sport's future, particularly focusing on athletes like Parker Valby. 

Lastly, the discussion turns to the influence of social media on running, debating the merits and criticisms of influencers receiving free race entries and the expectations placed on these individuals for their content and personal training choices.

00:00 Welcome to a Solo Episode with Klutz and Birdie!

01:06 Diving Into Training Updates and Future Race Plans

12:04 Exciting Highlights from Recent Indoor Track Races

20:56 Anticipation for the Olympic Year and Athlete Highlights

21:34 The Buzz Around Parker's Training and Cross Training Insights

23:24 The Debate Over Influencers and Free Marathon Bibs

28:28 Expectations and Responsibilities of Influencers in Running

33:05 Training Philosophies and Social Media Perceptions

39:07 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement

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In this conversation, Dr. Lara, a clinical psychologist and the founder of the Coaches Collective, discusses how the program is designed to support coaches in expanding their expertise and enhancing their skills. 

The platform provides a safe space for coaches from all sports and levels of experience to discuss common issues, gain diverse perspectives and learn about human behavior. The discussion also covers the impact of issues like shame, imposter syndrome, and scarcity mindset on coaches. 

Dr. Lara also reveals two exciting updates - the introduction of a certification (C4) for psychologically informed coaching and the launch of the all collective, a continuous learning and networking community for coaches collective members.

00:19 Getting to Know Dr. Lara: Personal Life and Interests

01:13 Dr. Lara's Love for Pasta and Childhood Memories

02:41 Dr. Lara's Running Experiences and Encounters with Wildlife

07:25 Dr. Lara's Journey into Psychology and Working with Athletes

15:26 The Birth of the Coaches Collective

18:05 The Impact and Importance of the Coaches Collective

20:45 Topics Discussed in the Coaches Collective

23:52 The Value of a Safe Community for Coaches

24:21 The Power of Vulnerability in Coaching

26:01 Addressing Imposter Syndrome in Coaching

27:34 The Importance of Diversity in Coaching Experience

29:27 The Power of Different Perspectives in Coaching

31:14 The Importance of Learning Methods in Coaching

31:54 The Value of Contribution in Coaching

38:40 The Impact of Shame and Scarcity in Coaching

43:42 The Exciting New Developments in Coaches Collective

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Thank you to everyone who listened to any or all of the episodes within the February Eating Disorders Series!

This episode is a short thank you and reflection on recording and releasing the series.

If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, related to this topic or not, let me know!

If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some resources:

In this episode, Lindsay, a professional trail and ultra-runner, discusses her battle with eating disorders and her path to recovery.

She shares her experiences, from developing an eating disorder in college due to pressures of looking like a runner and an unhealthy relationship, to seeking help and undergoing treatment, and finally to her current journey as a professional athlete and coach.

Despite setbacks in her running career due to bone injuries, Lindsay remains positive and dedicated to helping others struggling with similar issues.

00:28 Lindsey’s Background and Passion for Running

02:09 Transition into College and Trail Running

02:50 Beginning of Eating Disorder and Its Impact

07:01 Struggles in College and Impact on Relationships

23:46 Decision to Seek Treatment and Recovery Journey

33:58 Post-Treatment Challenges and Career as a Professional Runner

43:06 Dealing with Injuries and Future Plans

47:50 Final Thoughts and Advice

If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some resources:

This episode of the February Eating Disorders Series features an insightful interview with Ryan Frecka, a strength and conditioning coach from Alberta, Canada. 

It sheds light on his personal battle with eating disorders in the context of climbing, a sport where weight is often discussed in relation to performance. 

Ryan explores his journey from realizing his unhealthy obsession with weight to his road towards recovery and becoming a strength and conditioning coach. 

The episode also highlights the societal pressures that can contribute to the development of such disorders. The importance of breaking the stigma and being open about eating disorders is emphasized throughout the conversation.

00:59 Introducing the Guest

01:14 Ryan's Background and Eating Disorder Journey

02:48 The Impact of Bullying and Perfectionism

08:41 The Role of Climbing in Ryan's Eating Disorder

13:57 The Turning Point and Seeking Help

15:40 The Recovery Process and Challenges

20:26 Returning to Climbing and Reflections on Recovery

30:54 Isolation and Recovery

31:29 Finding Joy in Strength Training

31:44 Transitioning from Climbing to Strength Training

33:32 The Impact of Gym Culture

34:42 Becoming a Strength and Conditioning Coach

39:49 The Role of Fixation in Eating Disorders

49:30 The Impact of Diet Culture

51:06 The Journey to Recovery

56:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections

If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some resources:

This episode features a conversation with Kim, an ultra runner who opens up about her journey through her eating disorder that developed during high school all the way to recovery. 

She shares the challenges she faced, the support she received, and her determination to get back into sports while managing her recovery. 

She discusses her experience with different treatment centers, how she navigated recovery, the role running played in her recovery, and her advocacy work in spreading awareness about eating disorders in the sports community. 

Kim also shares the importance of seeking help from the right professionals and fostering a positive relationship with one's body and food, emphasizing that recovery is not a linear process, but one that requires time, patience, and dedication.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some resources:

In this episode, Sarah, one of my friends from my first corporate job, talks about her ongoing struggle with eating disorders.

Growing up, Sarah was heavily influenced by her mother, who herself had disordered eating, and this shaped Sarah's unhealthy relationship with food. Sarah shares candidly about periods of restriction, binging, and orthorexia throughout her adult life, exacerbated by stress and mental health struggles. 

Therapy has significantly helped Sarah, and she is currently focusing on rebuilding her physical health and managing her relationship with food. Despite still finding herself in the throes of struggle, Sarah emphasizes the importance of seeking help and not letting societal definitions of eating disorders hinder individuals from getting the support they need.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some resources:

For the 5th episode in this series, I welcome Erin, a college friend, for a candid discussion about our shared experiences with eating disorders. Erin shares her struggle with bulimia, which peaked her sophomore year in college. 

She analyses the societal pressures and her personal insecurities that led to her disorder and the emotional turmoil felt during the ordeal. Erin shares her journey towards recovery, marked by learning to shift her focus from how her body looks to what her body can do, as she builds a positive relationship with her body and food while pursuing her love for running. 

Our conversation highlights the often overlooked vulnerability of high school and college-aged students towards eating disorders, the pervasiveness of diet culture, and the crucial role a positive environment plays in recovery and maintaining a healthy body image.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some resources:

In this episode of the February Eating Disorders series, Ally Rae Pesta joins me to share her journey with her eating disorder which started over 10 years ago. 

Ally emphasizes the importance of empowerment in recovery and shares her experiences, from denial and control to recognizing the need for help and embarking on her recovery journey. 

She provides insight into her key stages of recovery, addresses the importance of destigmatising eating disorders, discusses the significance of community, and shares the details of her memoir, 'Beyond my Body'. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some resources:

In this episode, I am joined by dietitian Chiara for a discussion about eating disorders as part of the February Eating Disorders series.

Chiara shares her personal journey of dealing with an eating disorder for a decade while studying to be a dietitian. This disorder, which went unrecognized for a long time due to societal normalization and stigma, severely impacted Chiara's life and relationships. 

In 2017, after a significant turning point, Chiara began her path to recovery. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the reality behind food and body image, discussing her struggles with body dissatisfaction amid changing body during pregnancy. 

Chiara also mentions the role climbing had in perpetuating her disorder, reinforcing weight-loss culture. Today, Chiara works as a weight-inclusive non-diet dietitian primarily with climbers, focusing on creating healthy relationships with food and the body.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some resources:

In this episode, Clara recounts her personal struggle with an eating disorder and  Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), a syndrome resulting from insufficient energy intake in athletes.

Initially triggered by her perfectionist and over achieving tendencies, Clara struggled with an eating disorder starting in high school.

Post college when she started running, she unknowingly developed RED-S symptoms, such as loss of her period, fatigue, irritability, gastrointestinal issues, and proneness to injury. Despite facing dismissive attitudes from several doctors, she finds a wake-up call in a body composition test revealing critically low body fat.

Clara discusses the lifestyle changes she made to better manage her condition, which included setting reminders to eat regularly, sneaking in calories, and altering her mindset towards her performance in races. She also shares how managing RED-S has reshaped both her experience and love for running.

Y’all it’s episode 100!! I’m so excited that my conversation with Kiera Smalls coincided with the 100th episode. Kiera is the executive director of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition and is making an immense impact in the running space.

We chat about her personal journey from being introduced to (or “forced into” as she jokingly says) running to becoming the Executive Director of RIDC. We also discuss the organization's initiatives in encouraging more Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) to engage with the sport and the industry, including Freedom to Run research, Run The Block, and creating inclusive community workshop. We finish up with chatting about what individuals can do to help with inclusion.

Kiera’s excitement for the future of our sport and RIDC is palpable, and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

02:43 Kiera’s Journey into Running

09:50 The Power of Community in Running

12:47 Kiera's Transition to Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC)

18:31 The Impact of RIDC's Research

27:25 Individual Actions for Inclusion

30:57 Openness in the Running Community

32:21 The Journey to Inclusion: Starting with the Self

36:35 The Importance of Trying: Overcoming Fear of Mistakes

38:32  Proud Moments at RIDC

45:44 Creating Inclusive Events: A Workshop Preview

49:38 Run the Block: A New Initiative for BIPOC Ownership in the Running Industry

54:21 Closing Thoughts: The Power of Individuals in Promoting Inclusion

“We’ve got to be as clear-headed about human beings as possible because we are still each other’s only hope.” James Baldwin

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In this solo episode, the host recounts her experience of partaking in the Carlsbad 5K race in San Diego, drawing comparisons with her performance the previous year. Coming into the race after an injury and with a different training regimen, she attributes her near-similar time to consistency and cross training. The host finishes the episode by expressing a desire to focus on 5K speed and a preference for sea level races.

Enjoy!

01:55 Recalling Last Year's Race Experience

03:33 Preparation and Expectations for the Current Race

07:40 Race Day Experience and Performance

38:58 Post-Race Reflections and Future Plans

41:10 Travel Complications and Episode Conclusion

CONNECT WITH KELLY:

In this episode, I cover a personal Q&A by answering questions from my Instagram followers!

I touch on my transition from a 9 to 5 job to self-employment and invite listeners to send in questions about this topic. I shares an update about 'Birdie', our newly adopted cat, and our experiences in blending our cat family. I then talk about my coaching business and hopes for it in the future. Lastly, I answers personal questions about my favorite trail to run, my favorite strength-training lift, and my favorite book of 2023.

Enjoy!

00:48 Discussion on Transition from 9-5 Job to Self-Employment

03:04 The Story of Birdie, the New Cat

10:37 Pre-Race Rituals and Habits

12:42 Advice to Younger Self

17:18 Future Vision for Coaching Business

21:20 Favorite Things of 2023

24:00 Favorite Books of 2023

26:07 Favorite Strength Training Lift

27:34 Cherished Memories of 2023

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If you're looking for a trail and ultra coach for 2024, my start up fee is waived for the month of January!

This week, after some quick 2023 reflections and 2024 intentions, we're talking about choosing races and putting them into an annual plan. The most important aspect of an annual training plan is choosing which races to prioritize, as these are the anchor for the year. Enjoy!

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In this episode, Elizabeth Knight, an integrative health coach and a nurse practitioner, returns for a third time on the podcast to discuss navigating the healthcare system as a runner. Elizabeth and Kelly delve into their own experiences of injury, recovery, and medical care, reflecting on the necessity of patient advocacy and patience. They explore different routes of care such as primary care, physical therapy, and consulting with a sports dietician, and chat about the difference between bone stress injuries and soft tissue injuries. They end the conversation by musing on the pressures of the running world, aging, and future race goals.

00:54 Understanding the Unique Health Challenges of Runners

03:16 Recognizing When to Seek Professional Help

18:06 The Role of Physical Therapy in Injury Recovery

22:18 The Importance of Nutrition in Injury Prevention and Recovery

25:06 Understanding the Complex Nature of Injuries

30:16 Importance of Non-Physical Stress Relief

30:56 Understanding Stress Fractures and Recovery

31:29 Navigating Soft Tissue Injuries

34:39 The Unpredictability of Tendon Injuries

37:31 The Role of Patience in Recovery

42:13 The Pressure of Performance and Recovery

47:13 The Challenge of Switching from Ultra to 5K

51:46 Health Coaching and Navigating the Medical System

CONNECT WITH ELIZABETH:

Today I'm joined by my business coach, Michelle Lake! If you're curious about coaching in the endurance world, you'll want to listen to this one.

Join us as we chat about:

Michelle’s athletic background - from swimming to triathlon

Falling in love with triathlon

How she started coaching triathletes

Signs you may not want to be a coach

How going full time in coaching changed her relationship to sport

Shifting into business coaching

The progression of endurance coaching as a profession

Breaking down mental blocks in coaching

The power of social media for coaches

Parallels between sport and business

How to get started with coaching

Enjoy!

I did Garmin's guided lactate threshold test last week. Let's talk about it!

- what is lactate threshold (LT) and why would we test for it

- how LT is tested in a lab setting

- Garmin's guided test

- how I'll be using it

Enjoy!

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I am SO EXCITED for my guest this week - Diane Lauren! Diane is an avid runner and also a software engineer in tech. We got connected in social media a while ago, and somehow this conversation was the first time we chatted "in person."

This conversation felt to me like two friends catching up, and I hope you enjoy coming along with us.

Some topics we chat about:

• How Diane got into software engineering
• How Diane got into running
• Walking onto the XC team in college
• How starting running later helped her retain her love of the sport
• Comparing college experiences in Canada vs the States
• Geeking out about different areas of running
• Completion vs time goals
• The importance of sharing failures
• Getting criticism on social media as a woman
• Heart rate training
• Why she doesn’t depend on her watch
• Why she loves time based runs
• Will she venture into trail running?
• Her 2024 running goals
• Marathon racing strategy vs 5k racing strategy

Enjoy!

CONNECT WITH DIANE:

A short lil episode for you today - some thoughts about experimenting with your training, inspired by Parker Valby's training methodology.

Enjoy!

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Do you love women's cross country like I do? Well, good. That's what we're talking about today!

Specifically: the NCAA DI championships that occurred this past weekend, Parker Valby vs Katelyn Tuohy, NC State vs NAU, and my experience walking onto the DI cross country team at Hofstra in 2010.

Enjoy!

This week on What's What with Klutz #11, I chat about 3 main topics that are top of mind for me: - intrusive thoughts that cropped up from not being able to run as much - goal setting with competing goals - the NCAA XC showdown this weekend between Parker Valby and Katelyn Tuohy

Note: when I was talking about the race where Parker beat Katelyn, I said it was the ACC championships, but it was the Nuttycombe Invite. Apologies!

Today, Jake Tuber joins me on the podcast! Jake founded the Endeavorun retreats, which is where we met a little over a year ago. He's also an injured runner who has been dealing with injury for over 4 years.

We spend this episode chatting about:

Dealing with an injury for 4+ years

Grappling with the loss of running

Dealing with feeling angry, bitter, jealous and resentful

Being a dad to 2 girls

Running vs racing

Being competitive as an amateur athlete

Favorite track and field events and athletes

Jake’s most controversial track and field opinion

Creepy AI photos

Enjoy!

CONNECT WITH JAKE:

I debated not recording a podcast this week but remembered that I committed to staying consistent, just like I preach for my runners!

I chat through my feelings about staying consistent with content creation vs running and the progress (however small) of my foot injury.

Enjoy!

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Spoiler alert: it's probably less than you think.

I'm big on helping runners break into ultramarathons, and one of the biggest barriers is how much time per week you need to train for one. Many assume that you need 8+ hours per week to run a 50k, and that's just not true.

I break down how long you need to train for a 50k, a good starting point before training, and take you through a typical training block progression leading up to race day.

Enjoy!

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It's less than 2 weeks after my ultra, so let's talk about recovering post race. I discuss my three different ultra races, how I went about recovery for each, and what I'm dealing with right now.

Enjoy!

I feel like I've been talking about the DC Peaks 50 forEVER, and the day finally arrived this past weekend. This race was....wild. And much harder than I could have ever anticipated. I ended up dropping at the mile 37.5 aid station and am really proud of how far I got and how long I was moving. Listen in to hear how the day went, why I DNFed, and how I feel now.

CONNECT WITH ME:

Join Alyssa and I as we chat about who we think an "athlete" is and why we think it's beneficial for you to identify as one if you're someone who participates in a sport!

We chat about some reasons folks don't identify as athletes, our history with sports, gatekeeping in climbing and running, how social media affects who we consider to be an "athlete," benefits of identifying as an athlete, and more!

I wasn't sure if I would get an episode out this week with my recent travel schedule, but WE DID IT! Today I chat about what's been top of mind lately: traveling during the taper period.

Taper week could be a great time to go on a trip, and I also chat about some considerations to make when booking your travel.

Enjoy!

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Join me in this solo episode about all the runs: long, group and easy. I riff on how to make long runs less daunting, fitting in group/social runs into your training and shame around easy run paces.

Enjoy!

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