For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

There are a million and one ways to train for running. But the best way? To Makena, it’s whatever gives you the most fun.Makena Morley is a long distance runner living in Bozeman, MT and running for ASICS. She graduated from University of Colorado in 2020 and now coaches on the side, too.Listen to hear about:Struggles and challenges of transitioning to competitive runningExperimenting with trail and road running to train for marathonsWorking through the mental challenges of getting back to running after injuryCoaching runners with a focus on the well being and enjoyment for athletes The impact of podcasts, social media, and storytelling in the running community Balancing goals and how the definition of success can evolve Stay connected:Makena on Instagram: instagram.com/makena_morleyFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:Visit Leadville: So you think you know Leadville? Lake County has so much more to offer year-round than just the 100 miler in the summer. If you’re thinking of getting away, highly recommend booking a trip to Leadville to get up into the mountains, eat yummy food, and play outside. Check out more of what Leadville has to offer here!Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.

There are a million and one ways to train for running. But the best way? To Makena, it’s whatever gives you the most fun.Makena Morley is a long distance runner living in Bozeman, MT and running for ASICS. She graduated from University of Colorado in 2020 and now coaches on the side, too.Listen to hear about:Struggles and challenges of transitioning to competitive runningExperimenting with trail and road running to train for marathonsWorking through the mental challenges of getting back to running after injuryCoaching runners with a focus on the well being and enjoyment for athletes The impact of podcasts, social media, and storytelling in the running community Balancing goals and how the definition of success can evolve Stay connected:Makena on Instagram: instagram.com/makena_morleyFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:Visit Leadville: So you think you know Leadville? Lake County has so much more to offer year-round than just the 100 miler in the summer. If you’re thinking of getting away, highly recommend booking a trip to Leadville to get up into the mountains, eat yummy food, and play outside. Check out more of what Leadville has to offer here!Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.

We love in-person events. If you missed this one at Fleet Feet in Boulder in April 2025, you can catch up with this recording!Caitlyn Miller is a 26 year old business owner and marathon runner. Caitlyn’s business, Expntl Athletics, specializes in activewear for distance runners.She joined Jon live at Fleet Feet for this live discussion and audience Q+A.Listen to hear about:Caitlyn’s transition from softball to to runningHow she balances running with businessThe training and recovery techniques that work for CaitlynAvoiding overtraining with multiple active hobbiesStrategies while approaching race day Hot takes on treadmill runningStay connected:Caitlyn Miller on Instagram: instagram.com/Caitlynmiller_fitCaitlyn Miller on Youtube: youtube.com/@caitlynmiller_fitCaitlyn Miller on TikTok: tiktok.com/@caitlynmiller_fitFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. ⁠Use code FTLR10 for 10% off your purchase. Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!

We love in-person events. If you missed this one at Fleet Feet in Boulder in April 2025, you can catch up with this recording!Caitlyn Miller is a 26 year old business owner and marathon runner. Caitlyn’s business, Expntl Athletics, specializes in activewear for distance runners.She joined Jon live at Fleet Feet for this live discussion and audience Q+A.Listen to hear about:Caitlyn’s transition from softball to to runningHow she balances running with businessThe training and recovery techniques that work for CaitlynAvoiding overtraining with multiple active hobbiesStrategies while approaching race day Hot takes on treadmill runningStay connected:Caitlyn Miller on Instagram: instagram.com/Caitlynmiller_fitCaitlyn Miller on Youtube: youtube.com/@caitlynmiller_fitCaitlyn Miller on TikTok: tiktok.com/@caitlynmiller_fitFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. ⁠Use code FTLR10 for 10% off your purchase. Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!

What does it mean to show up with joy even in the midst of the hardest seasons?Annie Kalter is a 15-time Boston Marathoner, a mom, a school culture professional, and a woman with an extraordinary story of resilience. After surviving a heart attack that required her to be revived four times, Annie defied the odds to complete her 15th Boston Marathon just five months later.Listen to hear about:Annie’s entry into running and how she unexpectedly discovered the marathon was her distanceBuilding a 15-year Boston streak and what it means to be a streakerMissing a sub-3-hour marathon by just one second and how she found peace with itSurviving a spontaneous coronary artery dissection and learning to run again afterwardThe mental shift from chasing times to embracing the journey and helping othersHow joy, gratitude, and rest are now central to Annie’s version of successThe healing power of community and movement—even when you have to slow downWhether you’re a runner or not, Annie’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to keep going, to adapt, and to lead with love.Stay connected:Follow Annie Kalter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniek259/ For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis 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.GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit. Use code 25FTLR30 for 30% off an annual GOES+ plan. GOES+ gives you access to the rewards program, plus much more additional medical content and our emergency assessment tool!Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.

What does it mean to show up with joy even in the midst of the hardest seasons?Annie Kalter is a 15-time Boston Marathoner, a mom, a school culture professional, and a woman with an extraordinary story of resilience. After surviving a heart attack that required her to be revived four times, Annie defied the odds to complete her 15th Boston Marathon just five months later.Listen to hear about:Annie’s entry into running and how she unexpectedly discovered the marathon was her distanceBuilding a 15-year Boston streak and what it means to be a streakerMissing a sub-3-hour marathon by just one second and how she found peace with itSurviving a spontaneous coronary artery dissection and learning to run again afterwardThe mental shift from chasing times to embracing the journey and helping othersHow joy, gratitude, and rest are now central to Annie’s version of successThe healing power of community and movement—even when you have to slow downWhether you’re a runner or not, Annie’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to keep going, to adapt, and to lead with love.Stay connected:Follow Annie Kalter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniek259/ For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis 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.GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit. Use code 25FTLR30 for 30% off an annual GOES+ plan. GOES+ gives you access to the rewards program, plus much more additional medical content and our emergency assessment tool!Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.

Hoping to make time for your goals even when you have a million obligations to manage?Allison Baca is a professional trail runner for HOKA. She juggles parenting a 3-year-old and working full time in finance while squeezing in training to compete in big mountain races.Listen to hear about:Getting into endurance sports with triathlons and transitioning to trail runningChallenges of balancing training, work, and family lifeAlignment of values with Allison’s sponsor, HOKAImportance of picking races responsibly in order to not over-racePositive influence of running on physical and mental healthImpact of small victories on overall well-beingRunning community and desire to inspire and support othersStay connected:Follow Allison Baca on Instagram: instagram.com/allisonlbacaFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!Pillar: If you’re looking to step up your performance, check out PILLAR at TheFeed.com and use FTLR for 15% off your first purchase.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.

Hoping to make time for your goals even when you have a million obligations to manage?Allison Baca is a professional trail runner for HOKA. She juggles parenting a 3-year-old and working full time in finance while squeezing in training to compete in big mountain races.Listen to hear about:Getting into endurance sports with triathlons and transitioning to trail runningChallenges of balancing training, work, and family lifeAlignment of values with Allison’s sponsor, HOKAImportance of picking races responsibly in order to not over-racePositive influence of running on physical and mental healthImpact of small victories on overall well-beingRunning community and desire to inspire and support othersStay connected:Follow Allison Baca on Instagram: instagram.com/allisonlbacaFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!Pillar: If you’re looking to step up your performance, check out PILLAR at TheFeed.com and use FTLR for 15% off your first purchase.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.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders. Athletes face a lot of mental and physical pressure around fueling, so we need to break taboos.Kate Ringwood is a licensed therapist that specializes in eating disorders in athletes. Kate's personal experience navigating her own recovery while competing in cross country and track influenced her passion in helping others.Listen to hear about:Kate’s personal story of an eating disorder and then rediscovering her love for runningGetting back into training with less pressureReduce shame and stigma around eating disorders and body image issuesMisconceptions about athletes and eating disordersThe nuances of recovery, failure, and mental health in runningStay connected:Kate on Instagram: instagram.com/serendipity.counseling Kate’s website: serendipitycounseling.comFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at www.puma.com.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 FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders. Athletes face a lot of mental and physical pressure around fueling, so we need to break taboos.Kate Ringwood is a licensed therapist that specializes in eating disorders in athletes. Kate's personal experience navigating her own recovery while competing in cross country and track influenced her passion in helping others.Listen to hear about:Kate’s personal story of an eating disorder and then rediscovering her love for runningGetting back into training with less pressureReduce shame and stigma around eating disorders and body image issuesMisconceptions about athletes and eating disordersThe nuances of recovery, failure, and mental health in runningStay connected:Kate on Instagram: instagram.com/serendipity.counseling Kate’s website: serendipitycounseling.comFor The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpodJon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevittJoin the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.comThis episode is supported by:PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at www.puma.com.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 FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit.