Running has always been about more than miles.In Episode 16 of The Active You, we're joined by Ross John Jr., founder of Run Like A Native, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Native athletes, preserving Indigenous running traditions, and using running as a way to connect communities.Ross shares how running served as a vital form of communication for Native Nations through the historic Messenger role, where runners carried important messages between communities long before modern technology. We also dive into the stories of legendary Indigenous athletes like Billy Mills, Lewis "Deerfoot" Bennett, Tom Longboat, Jim Thorpe, and Frank Pierce, whose contributions to the sport deserve far more recognition.Beyond history, we discuss how Run Like A Native is creating opportunities for Indigenous runners today by sponsoring athletes, hosting community events, and encouraging runners to reconnect with nature, community, and the deeper purpose behind every run.Whether you're a lifelong runner, new to the sport, or simply love learning the stories that shaped it, this conversation offers a perspective you won't want to miss.In this episode:🏃 Ross's running journey and the creation of Run Like A Native🌎 The Indigenous history of running and the Messenger tradition🏅 Legendary Native runners who changed the sport🤝 Building community through running🌲 Connecting with the land through movement🎽 Sponsoring the next generation of Indigenous runners👟 What everyone wore to Monday Run Club🍻 Local craft beer to close out the showLearn more about Run Like A Native:Website: https://www.runlikeanative.orgInstagram: @runlikeanativeFacebook: Run Like A NativeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow runner. New episodes of The Active You premiere every other Sunday, featuring conversations with runners, coaches, industry leaders, and the people helping shape the running community.

Running is about so much more than pace, finish times, or chasing personal records.

In Episode 15 of The Active You, Rob and John sit down with Brooks Running Tech Rep Courtney Schatz to talk about her journey from growing up in Montana to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the running community across Western Pennsylvania, Western New York, and West Virginia.

Courtney shares how running shaped her life, why community matters, what makes specialty running stores different, and why Brooks continues to be one of the most trusted brands in running. The conversation also dives into the latest Brooks shoes including the Hyperion Max 4, Glycerin 23, Glycerin Flex, Ghost Max 3, Cascadia 19, Adrenaline GTS 25, apparel innovations, and what runners can look forward to next.

Whether you're training for your first 5K, your next marathon, or simply looking for a welcoming running community, this episode is packed with stories, shoe talk, and reminders that running can look different for everyone.

Topics include: • Courtney's running journey • Working for Brooks Running • Why specialty running stores still matter • Brooks shoe technology • The importance of local running communities • Group runs and demo nights • Trail running and staying active • Why anyone can be a runner

Subscribe for new episodes every other Sunday.

Hosted by Runner's Roost Western New York.

Summer is here, and so is marathon training.

In Episode 14, Rob and John break down what every runner should know about training through heat and humidity. They discuss why your pace slows down during the summer, hydration and electrolyte strategies, fueling for long runs, preventing chafing, choosing the right summer gear, and what it's like beginning training for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon with Coach Luke Rogers.

The episode also wraps up with a comparison between the Saucony Triumph 24 and the Nike Vomero Plus to help runners decide which max-cushion trainer might be right for them.

Whether you're running your first 5K or preparing for your next marathon, this episode is full of practical tips to help you train smarter all summer.

https://shop.therunnersroost.com/collections/episode14

Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Youtube | TikTok | Shop