What sounds more challenging: Running a hard 10k, or sitting still for three days without exercise? Dr. Lara Pence is a licensed clinical psychologist working with elite and professional athletes. She helps them not only improve their performance in sport but also connect more deeply with the entire life experience. Lara’s also the founder of The Coaches Collective, a program for ambitious sport coaches looking to increase their skills in human behavior and psychology. Listen to this episode to hear about: Common identity challenges runners face in everyday training and injury The intersection of therapy and endurance sports Dr. Pence’s clinical experience with athletes with disordered eating Superficial connections in society and the need for deeper relationships Why athletes need to slow down and rest (and even get bored) Stay connected: Dr. Lara Pence on Instagram: instagram.com/drlarapence  The Coaches Collective: drlarapence.com/coaches  For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com This episode is supported by: PUMA: My current top shoe is the Deviate Nitro First Mile. Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLR24 at www.puma.com. Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR for 15% off your pair at https://alnk.to/3ybGCzH. Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Get 10% off with code LONGRUN10 at hyperice.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/forthelongrun/support

How does a runner go from self-described bench warmer to podium finisher at one of the most renowned 100 milers in the world? Zoë Rom is a writer and journalist based in Carbondale, CO. She’s the host and producer of The Trailhead Podcast and Your Diet Sucks, and author of the book “Becoming a Sustainable Runner.” And she was the second female finisher at the 2024 Leadville Trail 100 Run! Listen to this episode to hear about: A race day recap of Zoë’s 2nd female finish at Leadville The difference in her mindset compared to her previous Leadville DNF: embracing her multifaceted self, creating space, sharing goals, and running purely for herself Mental strategies and flexible plans that helped her roll with the punches What it felt like to know she was in second place mid-race, and mutual support with women’s first place runner Mary Denholm Goals for the future and why a clear vision matters Stay connected: Zoë on Instagram: instagram.com/carrot_flowers_z  Zoë’s book with Tina Muir, Becoming a Sustainable Runner: www.becomingasustainablerunner.com  For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com Other FTLR episodes with Zoë 282. Tina Muir and Zoë Rom: Running for Life, Community, and Planet https://open.spotify.com/episode/7rjg8YvpyYUD3LYPwHkR7i?si=253d4925591b4e67  117. Failure Makes You a Better Athlete and Human https://open.spotify.com/episode/7yCYgO6UMhaSQ2Bc2psAxC This episode is supported by: Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at ⁠www.boulderthon.org⁠. 2Before: Get a performance boost with New Zealand Blackcurrant berries. Use code FTLR for 30% off of multi-serve and 20 packs over at www.2before.com. Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR for 15% off your pair at ⁠⁠https://alnk.to/3ybGCzH⁠⁠. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/forthelongrun/support

What does it take to win the Leadville Trail 100 Run during your first-ever year of competing on trail? Mary Denholm cracked the code after racing almost exclusively on roads from 2015-2024. During that time, she took her road marathon personal record from 3:39 to 2:36 and qualified twice for the Olympic Marathon Trials. Mary decided to shift to ultrarunning in early 2024, and on August 17th, she won Leadville’s legendary 100 mile race. Listen to this episode to hear about: How and why Mary transitioned from road to trail Strength training and injury recovery leading up to Leadville Mary’s recap of her Leadville victory Tips for taking care of yourself during training and racing Stay connected: Mary on Instagram: instagram.com/eatrunandbemary For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com This episode is supported by: Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org. Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR for 15% off your pair at https://alnk.to/3ybGCzH. PUMA: My current top shoe is the Deviate Nitro First Mile. Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLR24 at www.puma.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/forthelongrun/support

This week's episode is with Amanda Nurse! Amanda is a professional runner who lives in Boston. In this episode, we talked about: -her progression as a runner -wearing many hats as a mom/wife/coach/sponsored runner and more -pregnancy, and coming back stronger after giving birth to her now two year old son -her mental game and how she focuses in/on a race -training leading up to the Olympic Trials -Wellness in Motion -and much more! Follow along with Amanda's adventures at instagram.com/amandarunsboston!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/forthelongrun/support