For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

How Mike Wardian Runs the World While Running a Business

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.instagram.com/mikewardian/] https://www.mikewardian.com/ [https://www.mikewardian.com/] This episode is supported by: Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com [http://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 [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! [https://tifosiopticsinc.pxf.io/4GWNnM] Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN [http://rocketmoney.com/GORUNv]

The Science Behind Travel Performance and Health Optimization with FlyKitt Founder, Andrew Herr

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.instagram.com/andrewherrbio/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-herr/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-herr/] FlyKitt: https://flykitt.com/ [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 [http://bit.ly/4ojbflT] and use code “FTLR” for 10% off. * Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com [http://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!

How Jenn Lichter Became a Trail Running Powerhouse

From a Colombian orphanage to professional trail running champion, Jenn Lichter's story proves that sometimes the hardest journeys lead to the most extraordinary destinations. Jenn Lichter is a 29-year-old professional trail runner who competes primarily in distances ranging from marathon to 50-mile races. Born in Bogota, Colombia, she grew up in an orphanage before being adopted at nine years old and moving to La Crosse, Wisconsin. Her trail running career took off after working as a hiking guide at Glacier National Park, where she discovered her passion for mountain running during her off days. In September 2021, she competed in The Rut, her first major trail race, which led to her being discovered by The North Face team manager Esther. She signed with The North Face in 2022 and has been with the brand since. Lichter has achieved significant success in her professional career, winning races like Broken Arrow (setting a course record in 2022) and Speedgoat, where she placed second after taking a wrong turn. She won the 2024 Broken Arrow 46K and notably won a beer mile competition between Broken Arrow and Western States that same year. Beyond running, Lichter identifies as an artist, describing art as her "first true love". She enjoys baking, cooking, gardening, and DIY projects. Currently, Lichter is preparing to debut her first 100K race at Black Canyon, marking a step up from her established success in the 50K distance. She is sponsored by The North Face and Tailwind Nutrition and works with agent Kelly Newlon to manage her professional career. Jon chats with Jenn about: * victories at Broken Arrow and other races * how Jenn handles suffering and discomfort during races by honoring past training efforts * the role of curiosity in Jenn's approach to running and exploration * recovery from eating disorders and partnership with Tailwind nutrition * approach to authentic brand partnerships and social media presence Stay connected: Follow Jenn: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlichter/ [https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlichter/] This 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! [https://tifosiopticsinc.pxf.io/4GWNnM] * AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT [http://bit.ly/4ojbflT] and use code “FTLR” for 10% off. * Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com [http://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!

Ryan Montgomery on Unlocking a Mind, Body, and Environmental Connection Through Professional Running

While most professional athletes choose between excellence and everything else, what happens when you refuse to pick just one lane? Ryan Montgomery’s impressive resume includes over 50-60 ultra marathons, with 17-18 of those being 100-mile events, demonstrating their particular affinity for the longest distances the sport offers. Currently balancing a professional running career with graduate studies in strategic sales management, Ryan exemplifies the modern multi-dimensional athlete. He's also a Team Janji athlete and passionate advocate for inclusivity in trail running, organizing annual retreats for the queer running community. Jon chats with Ryan about: * revisiting Ryan's running journey and ultra marathons * mind-body connection in trail running * managing injuries and recovery strategies * balancing multiple professional roles successfully * LGBTQ+ advocacy in running community Stay connected: Follow Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/ultra.ryan/ [https://www.instagram.com/ultra.ryan/] This episode is supported by: * 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 [http://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 [http://bit.ly/4ojbflT] and use code “FTLR” for 10% off. * Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here [http://tailwindnutrition.com/FTLR].

Aisha Praught Leer’s Three Key Elements of Creating a High-Performing Team

From cheerleader to two-time Olympian - discover the 'secret sauce' that transformed an accidental runner into a world champion. Aisha Praught Leer is a two-time Olympian and holds seven national records for Jamaica, most notably as a gold medalist in the steeplechase at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She is a founding member of Team Boss in Boulder, CO, and a community organizer, an advocate for the world's best athletes as a member of the World Athletics' Athletes Commission, and works full-time in tech.  Jon chats with Aisha about: * having a process vs. outcome focus * the three key elements of creating high-performing teams  * training and racing with elite athletes like Emma Coburn and Usain Bolt * the transition to corporate work (making 150 cold calls per week) * training in altitude and the local running community in Boulder Stay connected: Follow Aisha: https://www.instagram.com/aishapraughtleer/ [https://www.instagram.com/aishapraughtleer/] This episode is supported by: * Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com [http://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 [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! [https://tifosiopticsinc.pxf.io/4GWNnM] * 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 [http://www.boulderthon.org]. * For November: Use code FTLR 2026 for 10% off any race for 2026. You’re not going to want to miss Boulderthon in 2026!