PODCAST · sports
The Running Explained Podcast
by Running Explained
Hosted by multi-certified run coaches and fitness professionals, Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava, The Running Explained Podcast is your go-to resource for actionable insights, expert tips and motivating advice to help you become the best runner you can be. We take a science-backed approach to running and fitness, offering practical strategies for athletes at all stages of their journey. Whether you're struggling with injury, wondering how to fuel your long runs or trying to nail your race day strategy, we've got you covered with expert interviews, listener questions and so much more.
Episodes
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Olympian Carrie Tollefson Chicago Marathon From the Broadcast Booth, Running Identity, and Finding Joy
Olympian Carrie Tollefson joins Coach Amanda and Coach Nick days after broadcasting the 2026 Chicago Marathon. Carrie made the 2004 Olympic team in the 1500m, won five NCAA titles at Villanova, and now runs her mouth more than her legs (her words) as a marathon broadcaster and host of the C Tolle...
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Marathon Recovery and Why Recovery Starts Before Race Day
How long should you rest after a marathon? Coach Amanda (fresh off her fall marathon) and Coach Nick cover marathon recovery from taper week to your first run back. Pre-race recovery: why sleep across your whole training block matters more than the night before, packing a carb-load cooler for…
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Runner Q&A with Sports Dietitian Stevie Lyn Smith: Carbs Per Hour, Ferritin, Burnout, and First Marathons
We did an old fashioned listener Q&A, and because you all sent in a stack of nutrition questions, we called in the big guns: sports dietitian Stevie Lyn Smith, RD, CSSD, back for round two. Coach Amanda and I cover the coaching side while Stevie brings the fueling science. We get into how many...
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Bone Density, Menopause & Marathon Training
Coach Amanda and Coach Nick talk masters running with coach Kim Nedeau (Training Inclined) about how mileage, recovery, and strength work should change after 40, plus what the research really says about bone density, menopause, and weighted vests. Kim built her coaching practice, Training…
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Ferritin, Iron & Anemia and What the Labs Really Mean
A single ferritin test isn't the whole story. Coach Nick and Coach Amanda talk with sports dietitian Callie Roseland about the difference between low ferritin, iron deficiency, and anemia, why runners are especially prone to running low, and the ferritin number that actually supports performance...
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Strength Training for Runners: The 5-Move Formula You Need (w/ Natalie LaMendola, DPT)
Strength training gets thrown around as a cure-all for runners: fix your injury, run faster, never break down. Coach Nick and Coach Amanda sit down with Natalie LaMendola, DPT, a running-specific physical therapist and Running Explained coach, to separate what strength training actually does for...
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The Carb Ceiling Myth and What Actually Fuels a Long Run
The 60g-an-hour carb ceiling isn't real, it was just the limit of one transporter. Sports dietitians Emma Harvie and Jaclyn Sklaver, CNS, LDN, join Coach Nick and Coach Amanda to explain the glucose plus fructose fueling strategy pushing runners past 90 to 120 grams of carbs an hour, why...
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Bone Health for Runners and the Injury Warning Signs You're Ignoring w/ Dr. Hoyt
Runners are great at ignoring pain. That is exactly the problem. In this episode, physical therapist Dr. Lisbeth Hoyt joins Coach Nick and Coach Amanda to break down bone health, the injury continuum, and how to actually catch a bone stress injury before it becomes a 12-week stress fracture.We…
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How Many Marathons Is Too Many? w/ Coach Corky
Running one marathon used to be the whole goal. Now it’s normal to stack two or three in a single fall, chase every world major, and call the easy one “party pace.” This week Coach Nick and Coach Amanda sit down with New York marathon coach Corky (@CoachCorkyRuns) to ask how many marathons is...
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Run Clubs Get a Bad Rap. Here's What's Actually True
Run clubs get called dating apps with cadence, influencer marketing for the warm-up, and content farms in matching kits. Some of that is fair. Most of it misses what these groups actually do every week. Coach Nick sits down with two founders running clubs on the ground: Sydney Hara of Slow Girls...
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REDs Explained, Why Underfueling Doesn't Have a Look w/ Dr. Melissa Lodge
You can run well on too little fuel for a long time. Right up until you can't. This week, Coach Amanda and Coach Nick sit down with Dr. Melissa Lodge (PhD in exercise science and sports nutrition, RD-in-progress, and the mind behind @fed_collaborative) to unpack REDs: Relative Energy Deficiency…
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More Salt Isn't the Answer: Summer Fueling and Hydration w/ Stevie Lyn Smith
It's getting hot out there, and your fueling and hydration plan needs to keep up. Registered dietitian and board-certified sports nutritionist Stevie Lyn Smith (fresh off running 460-ish miles from Buffalo to Brooklyn, as one does) joins Coach Nick and Coach Amanda to break down what actually...
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Running Boston at the Back of the Pack: What Really Happens When the Crowds Leave w/ Avelyn
What's it actually like to finish a marathon after the crowds have gone home, the aid stations are packed up, and you're getting moved to the sidewalk at mile 22? This week Coach Amanda and Coach Nick sit down with Avelyn, a proud back-of-the-pack runner who went from zero to three marathons in…
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Trail & Ultra Running 101: Community, Mud, and Why Nobody Asks Your Finish Time
Coach Amanda and Coach Nick are joined by Justin Andreas a trail and ultra running coach, active duty Air Force member, beekeeper, girl dad, and host of the Golden Hour Adventures podcast for a deep dive into the world of trail and ultra running. Justin shares his journey from competitive...
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Who Are You Really Racing? Chip Times, Cheating, and the Integrity of Running
Is the running world losing the plot? Amanda and Nick break down race time manipulation, the rise of unregulated supplements, and a certain influencer controversy that's got everyone talking. More than just drama this episode is about character, honesty, and what kind of sport we want running to...
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The Off-Season Is Part of Training, How to Recover & Rebuild After a Big Race
You crossed the finish line… now what? In this episode of the The Running Explained Podcast, Coach Amanda and Coach Nick break down what runners should do after a big race, whether your race went exactly as planned or completely fell apart. They talk about post-race recovery, the mental side of...
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Motherhood, Ultras & Letting Go of Perfection with Francesca Barbetta
Fresh off completing her first 50-mile ultramarathon on Mother’s Day weekend, running coach and mom of three Francesca Barbetta joins the podcast to talk about the realities of ultra marathon training, balancing motherhood and running, and learning how to let go of perfection in the process. In...
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ADHD, Anxiety, and Running: What No One Talks About with Mary Johnson
What does ADHD actually look like in runners and athletes, especially women? In this deeply honest conversation, Coach Amanda and Coach Nick sit down with running coach Mary Johnson to talk about the realities of living, training, parenting, and working with ADHD. Mary shares her experience being...
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Men’s Mental Health in Running: Breaking the Silence with Jason Bahamundi
Mental health conversations in running are growing, but when it comes to men, there is still a long way to go. In this episode of the Running Explained Podcast, we sit down with endurance athlete, community builder, and founder of RunTriMag, Jason Bahamundi, to talk about what men’s mental health...
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Post-Race Nutrition Explained: What to Eat After a Race to Recover Faster (with Sports Dietitian Meg Mahoney)
What you do after the finish line matters just as much as the miles you ran to get there. In this episode of The Running Explained Podcast, coaches Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava sit down with sports dietitian Meg Mahoney to break down the truth about post-race nutrition, recovery, and why so many...
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If We Could Start Running Over, We’d Do These 6 Things Differently
What if you could go back to the start of your running journey and do things differently? In this episode of the Running Explained Podcast, coaches Amanda and Nick break down the 6 biggest lessons they wish they knew when they first started running. From chasing results too early to…
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Race Day Prep: The Complete Blueprint to Run Your Best Race
Race day doesn’t start at the starting line. It starts with how you prepare. In this episode of the Running Explained Podcast, coaches Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava break down everything you need to know about race day prep, from logistics and fueling to mindset, pacing, and recovery. Whether...
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Injured, Not Broken. How Runners Rebound after Setbacks w/ Carrie Jackson & Cindy Kuzma s6e10
This episode of the Running Explained Podcast dives into one of the most overlooked parts of running performance: the mental and emotional side of injury. Coach Nick is joined by journalist and runner Cindy Kuzma and mental performance coach Carrie Jackson to unpack what really happens when…
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Late Start? You're Not Behind! Chasing Olympic Dreams w/ Gabi Rooker s6e9
What if you didn’t start running until adulthood… and still went Pro? In this episode of the Running Explained Podcast, we sit down with Nike Professional runner Gabi Rooker to unpack her unconventional journey from lifelong gymnast to elite marathoner. Gabi didn’t grow up running, didn’t follow...
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Women in Sports Media and Running Storytelling w/ Ashley Mateo and Olivia Witherite
In this special Women’s History Month episode of the Running Explained Podcast, Coach Nick and Coach Amanda sit down with Ashley Mateo (RunHer Magazine) and Olivia Witherite (OnBase Collective) to explore the evolving landscape of women’s running and sports media. They dive into storytelling in…
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How to Rehab and Return to Running After Injury w/ Dr. Vicky Sekely
Check out our Free 8 Week 5k Guide! - https://runningexplained.myflodesk.com/l5xeag2tjn In this episode, Coach Amanda and Coach Nick have Dr. Vicky Sekely on the Running Explained Podcast as she shares expert insights on running injuries, physical therapy, gait analysis, and the impact of social...
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The Hidden Struggles of Endurance Athletes with Stephanie Roth-Goldberg
In this episode, Coach Amanda and Coach Nick explore the complex relationship between endurance sports and eating disorders with psychotherapist Stephanie Roth Goldberg. We discuss signs, prevention, and how coaches and athletes can foster healthier practices. We talk about the difference between...
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Caring is Cool - A Discussion of Excellence with Author Brad Stulberg
In this episode of the Running Explained podcast, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava engage in a deep conversation with New York Times Bestselling author Brad Stulberg about his latest book, 'The Way of Excellence.' They explore the true meaning of excellence, the importance of caring deeply…
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The Highs & Lows of Competitive Running with Professional Runner Erika Kemp |s6e4
In this episode, Brooks Professional Runner Erika Kemp shares her journey in the world of running, discussing her record-breaking achievements and the lessons learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of community, the highs and lows of racing, and the need for balance in life as a...
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Fueling for Spring Races: Insights from Holley Samuel
In this episode of the Running Explained Podcast, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava welcome sports dietitian Holley Samuel to discuss the critical role of nutrition in preparing for spring races. They explore the challenges of early season training, the importance of proper fueling, and the...
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s6/e2 Who Gets to Run Freely? with Alison Mariella Désir
In this episode of the Running Explained podcast, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava welcome Alison Mariella Désir, author of 'Running While Black'. They discuss the importance of freedom of movement, the challenges faced by Black and Brown runners, and the significance of creating inclusive...
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s6/e1 8 Proven Ways to Make Your Running Routine Last
In this episode of The Running Explained podcast, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava discuss eight proven ways to maintain a running routine beyond January. They emphasize the importance of mapping out a routine, starting small, setting realistic goals, and being flexible. The conversation also...
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Passing the Baton: The Next Era of Running Explained
In this episode, Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava introduce themselves as the new hosts of the Running Explained podcast, taking over from Elisabeth. They discuss their excitement for the upcoming season, their vision for the podcast, and their commitment to making running more accessible and...
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Season 5 Wrap-Up
Season 5 is wrapping up a bit early, but don’t worry, Season 6 is coming soon with more great conversations, science, and running wisdom. In the meantime, revisit past episodes or explore everything Running Explained has to offer: Our newsletter The Weekly Stride…
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s5/e29 (RE-RUN) How to Get Faster on Low Run Volume Training with Kim Nedeau, CES
This isn’t your typical clickbait-y “smash a marathon PR with just 3 runs a week” take. In one of our all-time favorite episodes, we're bringing back an insightful conversation with coach and elite mountain runner Kim Nedeau, who dives into how endurance athletes can thrive with a low run volume,...
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s5/e28 Running Shoe Reviews, Ethics, and Evolution with Kofuzi
In this episode, I sit down with Mike Ko, better known online as Kofuzi, to talk about his evolution from everyday runner to one of the most trusted voices in running shoe reviews on YouTube. We dive into the intersection of gear, performance, and personal preference, and how the right shoes can...
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s5/e27 (RE-RUN) Your Hybrid Training Crash Course with Dr. Alyssa Olenick, PhD
We’re back with another fantastic re-run featuring the powerhouse herself, exercise physiologist and hybrid athlete Dr. Alyssa Olenick (@doclyssfitness)! Hybrid training isn't just about picking between strength or endurance – it's about embracing BOTH for both health and performance goals. Dr....
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s5/e26 (RE-RUN) How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Runners with Coach Nick
We're bringing back an amazing re-run episode with Coach Nick Klastava from Season 3, and it's just as relevant and inspiring now as it was then. If you enjoy this episode, check out Nick’s other podcast, Between Two Coaches, which he co-hosts with Coach Amanda Katz (also from Running Explained)....
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s5/e25 Gummy Bears, Hobbiton, and Doing “Just Enough”: A Real Runner Chat with Dr. Marie Whitt
Dr. Marie Witt is BACK for her fifth time on the podcast (aka the Five-Peat!), and this episode is a little more casual and a whole lot of fun. We’re talking about… well, a little bit of everything: – Gummy bear fueling and why sour candy hits different – What happens when your miles slow way…
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s5/e24 Breaking4, Boston Qualifying Changes, and the Big Business of Women’s Sports with Jonathan Levitt
This week, I'm joined by the one and only Jon Levitt, host of For the Long Run and Long Run Labs, endurance athlete, and resident expert in both running and running-adjacent banter.What starts as a lighthearted chat about favorite running shoes (RIP Pegasus 34), run fuel (blue raspberry forever),...
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s5/e23 Running Nutrition 101 (The Redux) with Cortney Berling, RD
We’re going back to basics—because let’s be honest, most runners are still underfueling! In this special anniversary episode, I’m bringing back the very first guest I ever had on the show: Registered Dietitian and running coach Cortney Berling to talk (again) about RUNNING NUTRITION 101! If…
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s5e/22 Juggling Miles, Work, and Life? Here’s the Recovery Talk You Need with Dr. Logan Sherman
This week, I’m joined by a runner who brings a ton of insight and real-world experience to the table: Dr. Logan Sherman, sports chiropractor, marathon champion, and chairman of the BMW Dallas Marathon. We get into a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime in performance circles: SLEEP. Not...
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s5/e21 Training Load: Too Much, Too Little, or Just Right? with Coach Elisabeth
In this solo episode, I'm FINALLY tackling one of the most important (and least sexy) topics in training: training load. What it is? Why should you care? And how can you make sure you're living in the "juuuuuuust right" zone! Most of us are so focused on paces and mileage (or kms) targets that we...
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s5/e20 How to Run Around The Whole World with Marie Leautey
What would happen if you decided to just… run around the world? No, seriously. That’s what Marie Leautey did. She’s only the second woman in history to complete a verified World Run—crossing four continents, coast to coast, on foot. She pushed a stroller (not with a baby - important note), slept…
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s5/e19 How to Think Like A Runner with Jeff Horowitz
This week I’m joined by Jeff Horowitz—"recovering attorney" turned running coach, author of Think Like a Runner, and someone who’s run over 200 marathons (yes, really!). Jeff shares stories from his global racing adventures (including an ultramarathon in Cairo where he was chased by wild dog s),...
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s5/e18 Mastering the Basics: Run Types + Using Alerts for Better Training
Let’s get back to basics! In this episode, I’m breaking down the three main types of runs you'll see in your training - easy runs, moderate-intensity workouts like tempo or threshold, and high-intensity speed work - and explaining what each one is actually supposed to do for your fitness. If…
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s5/e17 An Unwelcome Twist: Everything You Need to Know About Coming Back from Ankle Sprains with Dr. Lauren LaPierre, DPT
An ankle sprain can put a serious crimp in your style, especially when it happens two days before race day. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Lauren LaPierre, physical therapist, running coach, and trusted resource for all things injury rehab, to break down what it actually takes to recover from…
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s5/e16 Your Diet Might Not Suck...But the Advice You’ve Heard Might! with Zoë Rom and Kylee Van Horn, RDN
Are you making food choices based on science… or on social media? I'm joined by Zoë Rom and Kylee Van Horn, the duo behind the podcast Your Diet Sucks, to unpack the complicated, often confusing world of diet culture in endurance sports. With Zoë’s background in journalism and Kylee’s clinical...
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s5/e15 Move Better, Run Faster: The Key to Efficient Running with Samuel Stow
Ever wonder how much your running form really matters? In this episode, ultra runner and coach Sam Stow joins me for a deep, honest, and slightly nerdy conversation about the underrated importance of movement efficiency, body awareness, and technique. We dig into why how you move matters just as...
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s5/e14 Can Mindfulness Make You A Better Runner?
In this episode of the Running Explained podcast, I’m breaking down a fascinating new study on mindfulness and running performance—and why I think this is something every runner needs to hear! I’ll walk you through the research (don’t worry, it’s not boring!), explain how mindfulness training...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hosted by multi-certified run coaches and fitness professionals, Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava, The Running Explained Podcast is your go-to resource for actionable insights, expert tips and motivating advice to help you become the best runner you can be. We take a science-backed approach to running and fitness, offering practical strategies for athletes at all stages of their journey. Whether you're struggling with injury, wondering how to fuel your long runs or trying to nail your race day strategy, we've got you covered with expert interviews, listener questions and so much more.
HOSTED BY
Running Explained
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