Six Minute Mile
By Six Minute Mile
Six Minute MileAug 19, 2021
Jason Jabaut - Chief Operating Officer of Fleet Feet
Will the big fall races take place this fall and what safety precautions runners will likely take?
Christine Bowen: Vice President of Programming, Partnerships and Operations for Running USA www.runningusa.org/
Andrea Dowdy - CEO of the Denver Colfax Marathon www.runcolfax.org/
Jon Hughes - Track Shack Co-owner and Race Director of the Walt Disney World Marathon www.trackshack.com/
Michelle Juehring - Race Director for the Quad Cities Times Bix 7 bix7.com/
Michelle La Sala - Founder and President of Blistering Pace Race Management blisteringpace.com/
Steve Lastoe - Founder and CEO NYCRUNS nycruns.com/
Michael Nishi - Chief Operating Officer of Chicago Event Management, General Manager of Bank of America Chicago Marathon www.chicagomarathon.com/
Arash Javanbakht - Psychiatrist and Director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC)
We were joined by Arash Javanbakht, Director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic. In our conversation, we touch on utilizing exercise to improve mental health and overcome trauma and stress. We also discuss triggering "flight or fight" responses and ways to perform optimally in sports and other areas of life. We really enjoyed talking to Arash and walked away with a better understanding of the relationship between the brain and physical performance. Enjoy!
Shane Benzie - Running Coach, Movement Specialist, Researcher and the Founder of the Running Reborn coaching platform
We were joined by Shane Benzie, or sometimes referred to as "The Indiana Jones of the Running World". Shane utilizes his decade's worth of travels and meticulous studies to help today's runners rewire the way think about their movement, or "rewire their software". In our conversation, Shane elaborates how he coaches his runners up using his three pillars; perception, video, and data. We also discuss the importance of running with buddies or the "power of the group". Amongst other topics, we hit the "tripod landing", how feet are a runner's antenna, and what humans and kangaroos have in common. This is perhaps our most informative podcast yet for those looking to improve their running performance. Enjoy!
Amby Burfoot - 1968 Boston Marathon Winner, running journalist, author and former Editor in Chief of Runner's World
We were joined by Amby Burfoot, a man whose life has been centered around his love for running. We talk about his early years of competitive running highlighted by his 1968 Boston Marathon victory and relationship with Six Minute Mile Podcast alumni and his former roommate, Bill Rodgers. Amby talks about the progress running has made in making the sport more inclusive and equal and also where there is still room for improvement. Amby then walks us through his transition from competitive to recreational runner and why he is a fan of the 30 miles a week regiment over a grueling 100 miler. We move on to his life as a writer and journalist with Runner's World magazine and his decades-long career there, which got its jump-start from the help of another SMM guest, Hal Higdon. As usual, we end our conversation with some rapid-fire questions regarding his taste in books, movies and running preferences.
Mike Nishi - Chief Operating Officer, Bank of America Chicago Marathon
If you’ve ever run, or watched the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, you’ve probably wondered how everything comes together to create such an inspiring, well organized, large scale event. Mike Nishi is the Chief Operating Officer for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the architect behind that race day organization. He talks to us about how his passion for organization translates to race day operations. Another of Mike’s passions is sustainability. Recognized in the Running Industry, as a leader for sustainability, Mike takes us through how the Bank of American Chicago tested compostable cups. Ever wonder how all those volunteers get onboard, trained and assigned? Mike shares insight into his amazing team, and how they align their values with that of the volunteers, with the target of retention and appreciation. Last but not least, Mike shares his routine that helps him manage stress, a very intentional routine of stretching, meditation and creating boundaries between work and family.
Dick Beardsley - 1981 London Marathon Co-Winner, 1982 Boston Marathon 2nd Place (Duel in the Sun), Two-time winner of Grandma's Marathon
Dick Beardsley is the ultimate story teller, as he talked to us about his running, personal life and shared some Beardsleyism’s. Dick detailed 1981 London Marathon, and how he and Inge Simonsen crossed the finish line, in first place, hand in hand. Then Dick takes us down memory lane with the 1982 Boston Marathon (Duel in the Sun), where Dick and Alberto Salazar battled it out the entire 26.2 Miles, with Salazar winning by 1.6 Seconds. Dick has overcome a lot in life and he shares with us his “glass is ALWAYS half full” attitude. He shares details of the injuries that led to his pain killer addiction, and how he recovered. Just when he thought he would never deal with anything that painful again, then he lost his son to PTSD. Dick can’t image not sharing these experiences, as he feels everyone can learn, grow and find something positive from the most tragic situations.
Dr. Dan Lieberman - Author, Harvard Professor, paleoanthropologist
Author of The Story of the Human Body (https://amzn.to/39q3bvi) and most recently Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding (https://amzn.to/2Pchhda), Dr Daniel Lieberman is a paleoanthropologist and Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. He has studied the evolution of the human head, but his main focus is currently on the evolution of the human physical activity. He has lived with cultures, all over the globe, to explain the science of how and why we move today. Research specifically related to activities such as walking, running as well as changes to our body's environments can help prevent injuries and treat musculoskeletal diseases.
Max Aronow - Fastest Mile While Dribbling a Basketball
Max has played basketball most of his life and has always been a good ball handler. At the same time, he is a strong miler, training with the Hartbeat Track Club (https://www.hartbeattc.org/). When you combine his two super powers, you have an opportunity for a unique World Record - Mile While Dribbling a Basketball – 4:30.38!! His brother noticed that the record was in reach and challenged him to make the record breaking attempt. With friends and family (https://bit.ly/3r7wXeo) pacing, recording, and timing him, Max broke Dylan Sorenson’s record by 3.35 seconds. Max’s running story is more about determination and overcoming adversity than it is about his word record. Max talks to us about what inspires him to run, health challenges he has had to overcome, and motivates us to persevere in our own running.
John "The Penguin" Bingham - The Pied Piper of the Second Running Boom, Author, Runner
John “The Penguin” Bingham has been called the Pied Piper of the second running boom. His column, The Penguin Chronicles (https://bit.ly/3bJaWyh), resonated with and inspired an entire generation of runners. In the Chronicles, the Penguin never gets old and is always having a great time, embracing his “back of the pack” speed, with his goal of having fun and crossing the finish line. John has completed over 40 marathons and written several books, most notably The Courage To Start (https://amzn.to/3cumCnF) and No Need for Speed (https://amzn.to/3bIkfyl). In this interview, John talks to us about how he transitioned from a sedentary life to one that was healthier and more active. By writing about his race experiences, with his own unique sense of humor, John has delivered a message of hope and inspiration to anyone that hopes to run, or has been running a lifetime.
Jonathan Shubert - 100 Mile Cyclist Record Holder
Jonathan Shubert is an amateur cyclist, (and science teacher) that recently broke a 27-year-old record. Jonathan rode his bike, on the open road, for 100 miles in under 3 hours - 2 Hours, 57 minutes. An impressive feat, but when you consider that he also had a mechanical issue and the roads were open to traffic, it becomes an extraordinary achievement. He talks to us about becoming “slippery in the air”, and how a $500 suit that makes you more aerodynamic is more valuable than a $6,000 bike. Since the age of 6, Jonathan aspired to be the British 24 cycling Champion, from the inspiration of his grandfather, who was also a British cycling record holder. He has cycled around the globe, finding that cycling is the best way to see a country. The true inspiration from talking to Jonathan comes from his motivation to break the 3-hour -100 mile cycling record - like Roger Bannister's 4-minute mile, Jonathan wants to inspire people to do more than they believe that they can achieve.
Nancy Clark - MS, RD, CSSD, internationally respected sports nutritionist, weight coach, nutrition author, and workshop leader.
Do you spend your time cooking spaghetti? What does a dog look like? How do you find peace with food and peace with your body? Nancy Clark answers these questions, along with several other nutrition questions we had for her. Nancy (https://nancyclarkrd.com) is a registered dietician (RD) and board certified specialist in sport dietetics (CSSD). In layman’s terms, she is a food coach and nutrition educator. Nancy has worked with the Boston Celtics, the Boston Red Sox and many elite and Olympic athletes from several sports. When it comes to sports nutrition, Nancy wrote the book, literally, she wrote The Sports Nutrition Guide Book (https://bit.ly/3kxAtgH), which is now in its 6th edition and has sold over 750,000 copies. Listen to our conversation with Nancy to learn the impact that nutrition plays in our performance.
Paula Radcliffe - three-time winner of London Marathon and New York City Marathon
Paula (https://bit.ly/2YU6yFf) has won the London Marathon and the New York City Marathon, each three times and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, once, in 2002. She captured the Gold Medal in the 2005 Marathon World Championships in Helsinki. Paula held the title of the world’s fastest woman marathon runner for over 16 years, clocking 2:15:25, until 2019, when her record was broken by Bridgid Kosgei.
Inspired to run at a young age, by her father’s passion for sport. Paula gained a lot of running knowledge from her father, that she shares - such as how to run downhill to create a gap. She also shares some real wisdom, of marathon running – "respect the distance, but don’t be afraid of it". Paula explains the value for all of us to have role models that help you break your own belief barriers.
As if that wasn’t enough, we talk about parenting. Paula becomes reflective when she shares with us that most people don’t realize how great their parents are, while they are growing up. We discuss the importance of learning to make decisions and living with those decisions.
Hal Higdon - Athlete, Author, Coach
Hal Higdon has written over 34 books, most notably Marathon the Ultimate Training Guide (https://amzn.to/3pCU1Si) and created several training programs, that can be found on his site – Run with Hal https://www.halhigdon.com/. Hal competed 8 times in the Olympic Trials, his best performance came in 1960, when he finished 5th in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. He has run over 110 marathons, his best clocking his best performance in the 1964 Boston Marathon, where Hal placed 5th overall, after leading through the first 19 miles and crying at the finish line – tears of heartache and joy. Heartache from not winning and joy from setting his best time. In 1975 Hal set a World Masters Championship M40 record of 9:18.6 in the steeplechase, which holds as the longest standing American Masters record. Hal has been running competitively for 75 years and shares with us what he has learned about training and nutrition.
Dane Rauschenberg - Extreme Athlete, Author, Speaker
When Cal Ripken set his unbelievable streak of 2,632 games played, he had the mindset of “No days off”. Dane Rauschenberg had the same mindset in 2006, when he set out to run 52 different marathons on 52 weekends, throughout the year. He made the decision that there would be no make-up dates, no do-overs, but instead a full marathon every weekend. In the process, Dane raised over $43,000 for the L’Arche Organization (https://www.larcheusa.org/) and effectively ran negative splits throughout the year, by clocking his fastest races at the end of the year. As if that wasn’t enough, he did this while working full time and only missed four days of work during the year. Dane talks to us about training, “you don’t need to win the workout, save it for race day”, and how to run a sub three-hour marathon. Also an author, Dane has written Run This Place: 52 Must Run Races in North America (https://amzn.to/2Y59PRK) a summation of the best 52 races, out of the 400 races that Dane has competed in.
Keira D'Amato - American 10 Mile Record Holder, Realtor
This race smells like up dawg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6kXrSE8GoQ) What’s up dawg?? In the year of a pandemic, when live races were canceled, Keira D’Amato created her own race – The Updawg 10 Miler. With the help of Phil Stewart and the Credit Union Cherry Blossom, Keira put together a closed course 10 mile race, won the race, and set a new American 10 Mile record. F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “there is no second act in American lives.” Keira proves Mr. Fitzgerald wrong, after taking a “long halftime show”, starting back into running for fun, and now the “Running Realtor” has a 10 Mile American Record and placed 15th in the Olympic Marathon Trials. Keira was a high school standout, an All-American in College, then after an injury, running “broke up with her”, this wicked smart lady has found a way to balance elite running, and a career in real estate, all while raising a family.
Marcus Smith - Extreme Athlete, Entrepreneur, Coach
Have you ever wanted to conduct a business meeting, while on a 30K run around London? Marcus talks to us about how to juggle a busy life of the business world and training for ultra marathons. Marcus was a professional rugby player from the age of 18, until he retired in 2010. He is now an extreme athlete, coach, and entrepreneur. Marcus has competed in 30 marathons in 30 days, a 250K self-supported race across the Sahara Desert and 230K self -supported race through Kenya. Marcus finds a fulfilled life with his main hobbies that includes running across the desert, or walking on the beach at sunrise. Marcus has a strong belief that everyone can develop mental strength through physical challenges and stop being scared of hard work. Marcus explains that big goals, require big processes. Everyone should find the process that helps them climb their “Everest”. You can connect with Marcus and read his blog here http://www.mjdsmith.com/#home
Jim Knoedel- Author, Track Coach, Athlete
Every writing teacher will tell you to “write what you know”. Jim Knoedel did exactly that, by writing about two fictional track athletes. Jim started his journey as high school track athlete, in Iowa City, Iowa. He then became a walk-on runner on the University of Iowa track team. During his time under legendary coach Francis Cretzmeyer, aka Cretz, Jim heard stories of Jesse Owens and watched Steve Prefontaine at the Drake Relays (almost high fiving him). It was in these days that Jim created the plot of his novel, where two athletes, from different eras compete against each other. Jim’s writing skills have been well honed by writing countless recruiting letters, during his years as a track coach at Northwestern, Loyola and UIC. Recruiting letters written so well, that athletes would keep them and refer to them later in their careers. If you’ve ever wondered, who was better, Jesse Owens or Carl Lewis? Michael Jordan or Lebron James? In A Golden Era – A Tale of Two Runners https://amzn.to/36xU0bs you have an opportunity to imagine those scenarios existing.
Andrew Merle - Certified Sport Nutritionist, Top Food and Health Writer, Habit Blogger
Is ketchup a vegetable? How do you bring together two passions in life - sports and nutrition, and make them a career? Andrew answers both of these questions for us on this podcast episode. Andrew is a writer that blogs about living well, habits for happiness, productivity and success. He has done countless hours of research on the Blue Zones (regions of the World where people live beyond 100 years old), with the goal of living the longest, healthiest and most productive life he can live. Lucky for all of us, Andrew is willing to share his research. He routinely writes on his blog http://www.andrewmerle.com/blogon topics such as; Living to be 100 https://bit.ly/3mpzYV0The Eating Habits of the Best Athletes in the World https://bit.ly/3oVqfHE Why You Should be a Morning Person https://bit.ly/34g0LNz and many more health and lifestyle habits.
Deena Kastor - American Marathon Record Holder, Olympian Marathon Medal Winner
For most of us, our decisions don't carry the weight of one that faced Deena. In 2006 she had to make a difficult decision – Win the Boston Marathon or run the London Marathon and push the marathon record out of reach. She talks to us about how her dog helped her make this decision and how she trained to break the American Marathon Record at the 2006 London Marathon. The American Record is one of many accolades for Deena - an 8-time National Cross Country Champion, 8-time collegiate All-American, 4-time SEC Champion, two silver medals in World Cross Country Championships, Women’s Road 10 mile record, Women’s 15K record, Women’s 8K record. Additionally, Deena is an author, of Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory https://amzn.to/3gDITRC and is currently working on writing a cookbook.
Dr. John Ratey, MD - Author, Expert in Neuropsychiatry and connection of physical activity and brain health
Dr. Ratey was seeing patients for ADD in the early 80's, when he accidently discovered the connection between physical activity and brain function. John and a former student of John's, were able to self-diagnose their own ADD and realized that they were able to function by self-medicating, through physical activity. This connection of physical activity and brain function led John to a groundbreaking research on aggression, autism and ADD. John talks to us about "Miracle Gro" for the brain and how to develop your brain, with activity, during all stages of life, as well as how to overcome the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), that so many people deal with during the long winter months. John has written 11 books, most notably; Go Wild: Free Your Body and Mind From the Afflictions of Civilization https://amzn.to/2L1JHUF and Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain https://amzn.to/2JAalDk.
Fitz Koehler - Author, Breast Cancer Survivor, Fitness Innovator, Race Announcer, Athlete, Kickboxer
Seven weeks after a clear mammogram, Fitz found a lump on her breast. She is clear in telling us what her next steps where, she didn’t look at WebMD, she didn’t call her friend, she called the DAMN Doctor and made an immediate appointment. Fitz bravely whooped up on breast cancer, all the while continuing her schedule of race announcing. She chronicles it all in her book My Noisy Cancer Comeback: Running at the Mouth, While Running for My Life https://rb.gy/84nx9h Fitz calls her book a love letter written to the entire Running Industry for keeping her going through the challenges of breast cancer. As a race announcer, Fitz is there for the speedsters, as well as, the back of pack runners. She is the energy that sends you off at the start line and cheers you on as you make your way to the finish.
Brodie Sharpe - Physiotherapist and owner of Breakthrough Running Clinic, Running coach and host of Run Smarter Podcast
Most runners, at some point in their life, will experience an injury or two. Brodie is on a one-man mission to eliminate and prevent the most common running injuries. Brodie has simplified the complex reasons that most running injuries occur and debunks the myth that injuries are from a lack of stretching. Brodie breaks down running misconceptions and brings clarity to every injured runner.
Courtney Dauwalter - 2018 Ultra Runner of the Year, 2019 Mont Blanc Ultra Trail winner, 2020 Big's Backyard Ultra Winner
Courtney talks to us about her Nordic skiing competitions and how she transitioned into running marathons and then ultramarathons, after her collegiate skiing ended. She is the winner of the 2017 Moab 240, beating the 2nd place person by 10 hours. Courtney holds a course record Javelina Jundred 100K and won the Run Rabbit Run 100-mile race. She was named Ultra Runner of the year in 2018, then went onto win the Mont Blanc Trail Ultra in 2019 and Big's Backyard Ultra in 2020.
Bill Rodgers - "Boston Billy", former Olympian, former marathon record holder and winner of three straight Boston Marathons
Bill Rodgers sits down with us and talks about his early days of running at Newington High School and Wesleyan University. What inspired him, at a young age, to be active and fit. He describes a time in his life when he stepped away from running and then returned to running in a big way. Bill talks about the training involved to win four Boston Marathons and four New York City Marathons.
Jeff Galloway - Olympian, author, lifetime runner
Jeff was an average high school runner, who, by not giving up, went on to be an All-American at Florida State, and an Olympic Athlete (1972 10,000m). He started running as an avenue to be part of a high school team, when he was told that the cross country coach was the most lenient of all coaches. It didn’t take long for Jeff to realize how running could change his life. Jeff is the creator of the strategic Run-Walk-Run method as a way to increase fitness levels without accruing injuries. He is a well read and well educated coach that has written several books, most notably, Galloway’s Book on Running https://rb.gy/xzvdth Which is regarded as the quintessential book on the art and science of running. The “Human Metronome”, when it comes to pacing, Jeff finds a great deal of satisfaction in training and mentoring other runners, believing that he can coach runners to run until they are 100. Jeff’s his biggest thrill was when he paced his friend Jack Bacheler to qualify for the 1972 Olympics.
Lisah Hamilton - The Conscious Runner, Athlete, Coach, Author
Lisah was born and raised on St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. She was an accomplish collegiate swimmer that transitioned to running, and then became a running coach and injury prevention specialist. Finding her passion for running, while in college, Lisah has clocked some impressive running times, including holding the Virgin Islands Marathon Record. Lisah has been a competitive runner for over 20 years and has taken what she learned from her own training to develop her coaching and injury prevention program - https://rb.gy/olgodk Rather than looking at each injury in isolation, Lisah looks at the entire runner holistically. For each runner, applying a simple approach to injury prevention – 1. Pinpoint anything that could be getting in the way of running injury free, 2. Show you how to safely make gains to avoid injuries, 3. Teach you how to tap into the powerful mind states that replace worry of re-injury so you can enjoy running for a lifetime. A deep thinking, mindful runner and coach, Lisah reminds us that we need to address our running goals and life with a holistic approach.
Roger Robinson - Athlete, Author, Scholar
When Mr. Lutterloch took young Roger to the 1948 Olympics, no one would’ve known that he was setting the stage for a life time runner. A runner so passionate for the sport that he would write books and articles and continue running after two knee replacements. Cheering for Emil Zatopek at those Olympics was the catalyst for a passion that has never dimmed. Roger was not a sprinter, in fact, he came in last in every race at school, where no races were longer than 100 yd. Through patience and persistence, Roger became an elite Master’s Runner. With a record in the over 50 age group (2:28:01) at the New York City Marathon and holds Master’s Marathon records at The Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon. As if that wasn’t enough, at the same time Roger has been the Historian of the Running Industry and a professor at Vitoria University of Wellington. Roger has been a race commentator and journalist for many of the world’s top races. His most notable book – When Running Made History https://rb.gy/b42sxm
Mind, Body, Tri
We talk to Eva, Bruce and Rachel about the unique event - Mind, Body, Tri. They take us through this unique event designed to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. In this non-competitive triathlon, this team is taking on mental health head-on.
Aaron Yoder - Backwards (Retro) Running World Record Holder
Aaron broke his own mile record, smashing the previous record and clocking a 5:30 Mile, while running backwards. Aaron talks to us about his teaching, coaching and competing. How to move forward in life, while running backwards.
Ridge Davis - Fitness Expert to the Hollywood Stars
Ridge Davis, Fitness Expert, Puma Sponsored Athlete and one of Hollywood's top-rising talents in the fitness industry, talks about building strength for joint stability, flexibility, mobility, injury prevention and nutrition. Ridge creates training programs to get Hollywood stars in top shape for films and TV. Ridge balances his health and fitness career with being a classical musician.
Kathrine Switzer - First Woman to Register and run in the Boston Marathon
We talk to Kathrine about being the first woman register and run the Boston Marathon, in 1967. About the incident when she was attacked by Race Director, Jock Semple and how Jock helped to propel her to being a reluctant hero. Kathrine talks about forgiveness, responsibility, resilience and finishing the job.
Jim Davis - Founder of MarathonFoto
Jim Davis takes us through his passion for photography, the start of the MarathonFoto business, and shares some of his best memories of the marathons he has photographed.
Dave McGillivray - Race Director of the Boston Marathon, Athlete, Author, Philanthropist
Dave talks about his business (DMSE) pivoting during the pandemic, how running can raise self esteem, injury prevention and much more.
Lynn Rathjen - 75 Year Old Running a Sub Six Minute Mile
Lynn Rathjen, a retired physical therapist, and current high school cross country coach, recently ran a mile in less than 6 minutes! This is a new record for the over 75 age group. On this podcast episode, Lynn talks about his love of running and fitness, his training and his lifestyle.