For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

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