At 20,000 feet, running feels like moving through molasses… but Erin Ton has found that climbing Colorado's highest peaks in stilettos actually makes her a more thoughtful athlete.

Erin was born and raised in Colorado. After graduating from Cornell University in 2020, she moved back to Colorado to pursue professional mountain running. Her primary focus is on Fastest Known Time (FKT) speed records, specializing on steep, technical terrain at high altitude. She currently resides in her van and can be found chasing records all across the American West and all across the world.

Jon chats with Erin about:

• High altitude running challenges and training

• FKT (Fastest Known Time) pursuits

• fourteeners climbed in high heels

• professional athlete sponsorship journey

• goal of climbing all Colorado 13ers

• upcoming Aconcagua speed record attempt

Stay connected:

Follow Erin:

https://www.instagram.com/erin_ton7/

Erin’s Strava:

“Erin Ton”

This episode is supported by:

• AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.

• Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN
  

What if I told you that the most brutally honest performance metric you'll ever face isn't on your smartphone, can't be faked by AI, and strips away every excuse you've ever made about what you're truly capable of? It’s called running.

Nicholas Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, an American magazine founded in 1857, which earned the top honor for magazines, General Excellence, at the National Magazine Awards in both 2022 and 2023.

In his time as CEO, the company has seen record subscriber growth. Before joining The Atlantic, he was the editor-in-chief of Wired magazine.

He is also a former contributor for CBS News and has previously served as editor. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race.

Jon chats with Nick about:

• running's purity reveals personal truth and growth

• multitasking training with commuting and daily life

• breaking psychological barriers through gradual exposure

• how AI threatens media authenticity

• setting challenging goals creates transferable resilience

Stay connected:

Follow Nick:

http://linkedin.com/in/nicholasxthompson/

https://x.com/nxthompson

https://www.instagram.com/nxthompson/?hl=en

Nick’s book, “The Running Ground” on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Running-Ground-Father-Simplest-Sports/dp/0593244125

This episode is supported by:

• Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN

• AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.

Whether you just won the NCAA title or you just sucked in that race… the sun comes up tomorrow, and we're going back to work in the morning.

Emma Coburn is a middle-distance runner who specializes in the 3000-meters steeplechase. She’s a world champion, world silver medalist, Olympic bronze medalist, three-time Olympian and 10-time US National Champion in the steeplechase.

Her approach to training and competition emphasizes consistency, discipline, and focusing on process over outcomes. She believes that "belief comes from working hard" and executing training day-to-day rather than relying on hope alone. Her philosophy is grounded in the idea that "you can't just hope your way to the Olympics" but must work consistently despite setbacks.

Jon chats with Emma about:

• resilience through discipline and routine

• food culture and fueling without restriction

• mental strategies for race performance

• building sustainable habits for long-term success

• moving forward after setbacks and losses

Stay connected:

Follow Emma:

https://www.instagram.com/emmacoburn/

Emma’s Website:

https://emmacoburn.com/

This episode is supported by:

AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.

Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN

Success in running often comes from hitting rock bottom. This was the case for Terence Gerchberg, who transformed his gambling addiction into a mission to help others find their footing, one mile at a time.

In the words of Terence, “Running changed and saved my life. Today, I have the privilege of helping others do the same through Back on My Feet, a national nonprofit that transforms the lives of those experiencing homelessness and addiction through the power of running and community.”

Jon chats with Terence about:

• overcoming gambling addiction through running

• Back on My Feet nonprofit mission

• ultra running and Leadville race attempts

• community support in running groups

• finding purpose through helping others

• his definition of success (not money)

Stay connected:

Follow Terence:

https://www.instagram.com/coachamazing/

Back on My Feet:

Backonmyfeet.org

This episode is supported by:

Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN.

RACE Cancer Let's hold each other accountable and create momentum together in the new year by committing to at least one mile a day through RACE Cancer's Winter Challenge. Go to app.winterchallenge.org and use code “FTLR” and join our team!

If you're taking three-hour naps after long runs or showing up to marathons with just three gels, this episode will change how you think about fueling.

Stevie Lyn Smith is a Registered Dietitian and avid endurance athlete. As a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics she combines her passion for endurance athletics with evidence-based nutrition practices to help individuals reach their health and performance goals. As an ultra-endurance athlete with 10 Ironman finishes under her belt, she understands firsthand the crucial role nutrition plays in both performance and everyday life. When she’s not swimming, biking, or running you can find her outside exploring new trails with her dog or trying new recipes in her kitchen.

Jon chats with Stevie about:

• changes in sports nutrition over the past 8 years

• pre-run fueling and arguments against fasted training

• Stevie's personal race day fueling strategy for her Buffalo Marathon

• caffeine's role as a performance tool (including dosage recommendations)

• the importance of blood testing for endurance athletes to catch issues early

• the role of qualified healthcare providers in interpreting results for athletes

Stay connected:

Follow Stevie:

https://www.instagram.com/stevielynlyn/

Stevie’s Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Up-Womans-Winning-Nutrition/dp/1068830298/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1USHPG8HQ8HEM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aDxH8aRMat-Bi1wNFTeV6g.jMIoFHsW2RjNyV9ZBGGyKYQ-9-CKEBmvuLkHnUn9P_E&dib_tag=se&keywords=stevie+lyn+nutrition&qid=1760971348&sprefix=stevie+lyn+nutritio%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-2

Stevie’s Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-fuel-with-sls/id1746341651

This episode is supported by:

Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!

PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!

AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.

Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN.

From a hesitant podcaster to coaching 200+ athletes in two years, Joe Corcione reveals why indecision kills more dreams than lack of knowledge, and how one simple rule changed everything.

Joe Corcione is an Ultrarunning Coach, Ultrarunner, Host of The Everyday Ultra Podcast, and CEO of Everyday Ultra Coaching. From going from zero running background to placing top 10 at Tahoe 200 and top 10 at Javelina Jundred 100 miler, along with completing over 20+ ultras, Joe's mission is to help others become the best ultrarunners they can be; no matter where they are starting from.

Jon chats with Joe about:

• the "just start" philosophy

• business growth and Everyday Ultra

• race selection for mental toughness

• his upcoming Desert Peak Ultra race

• how setting limits in life is holding you back

Stay connected:

Follow Joe:

https://www.instagram.com/joecorcione/

Everyday Ultra Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-ultra/id1600327047

Everyday Ultra Coaching: theeverydayultra.com

Desert Peak Ultra: desertpeakultra.com

This episode is supported by:

AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.

PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!

Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!

Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN

What do you get when you cross a full-time international ship broker, a world-class endurance athlete, and a dad who's planning to row across the Atlantic? You get Mike Wardian. Today we're diving into how he manages to excel at everything while never losing his curiosity for the next adventure.

Mike Wardian is a multifaceted endurance athlete who describes himself as a husband, father, international ship broker, business owner, full-time professional athlete and a vegan adventurer.

Mike has been a sponsored athlete since 2002, for 23 years, and has worked with both endemic running brands and non-endemic sponsors like T-Mobile, with whom he has partnered since 2017. His extensive travel through running has taken his family to 33 countries across all seven continents, providing his two sons Pierce (18) and Grant (16) with extraordinary global experiences.

Mike’s adventurous spirit extends far beyond traditional racing. He has completed numerous ambitious projects including seven marathons in seven continents in seven days, running across the country, and completing the Appalachian Trail. Recently, he set a record in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, competing in 45 events over three weeks and winning 40 medals in activities ranging from running events to Scrabble, swimming, pickleball, and even golf. He's already planning his next major challenge: rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 2027.

Jon chats with Mike about:

• his career of running 180 marathons and 143 ultra marathons

• how he races 40-50 times per year

• running seven marathons in seven continents in seven days

• "invisible training" concept which minimizes impact on family life

• cultural observations and travel tips

Stay connected:

Follow Mike:

https://www.instagram.com/mikewardian/

https://www.mikewardian.com/

This episode is supported by:

Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!

AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.

Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!

Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN

What if I told you that 93% of people can travel anywhere in the world with minimal to no jet lag - and it has nothing to do with melatonin or light therapy?

Andrew is the Founder of FlyKitt, a breakthrough travel protocol built for high performers from the battlefield to the boardroom, who demand peak output under any condition.

Whether leading a team, competing at the highest level, or making critical decisions, showing up sharp post-flight is non-negotiable. But out of the 10 million+ people who fly daily, few know the kind of toll it takes on the body. Jet lag, inflammation, dehydration, gut issues, joint pain, poor metabolism, brain fog — the risk is real and long-lasting.

Jon chats with Andrew about:

• how travel affects health and athletic performance and can increase inflammation

• the correct way to deal with jet lag

• the challenges of delivering personalized health insights at scale

• specific supplements and nutrients used to combat travel-related inflammation

• compression socks, nerve stimulators, and other tools to improve travel experience

  
  

Stay connected:

Follow Andrew:

https://www.instagram.com/andrewherrbio/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-herr/

FlyKitt:

https://flykitt.com/

This episode is supported by:

• Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Head to eternal.co and use the Black Friday offer while it’s live. That’s 25% off all plans. Your future self is going to be very happy you did this, and feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions!

• AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.

• Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!