For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Athletes are more than their sport, so Colleen’s working to bring a holistic approach to team running. Colleen Quigley is an American middle-distance runner, Olympian, entrepreneur, mentor, National Champion, and lover of women's sports. From her high school days on the cross country and track teams, to her collegiate career and Florida State, and all throughout her professional career running for brands like lululemon, Nike, WHOOP, ROKA, and more, community has always been a top priority.  Colleen aims to bring that value of community to life with a new professional track team called Meridia and advised by coach Juli Benson. *please note that this episode was recorded in March and some details have changed since recording including the discussion about Juli Benson and Kate Grace* Juli is now an advisor to the team. Listen to hear about: * Differences of running communities between Boulder, LA, and Flagstaff * Transitioning from soccer and dance to running and allowing it to snowball into a career * The nuances of male vs. female running coaches * Building a holistic team dynamic around ethos and values rather than around a brand * Non-endemic brand sponsorships and allowing athletes to maintain control over sponsorship * Storytelling for athletes and challenges around personal content and branding * Growing a new, holistic approach for a track team with female leadership Check out the Meridia Mile, a way for fans to “join the team!” https://www.movemint.cc/events/meridia-mile Stay connected: * Colleen Quigley on Instagram: instagram.com/steeple_squigs [http://instagram.com/steeple_squigs] ◦Colleen Quigley’s website: colleenquigley.org [http://colleenquigley.org/] ◦Meridia website: wearemeridia.com * For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod [http://instagram.com/forthelrpod] * Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt [http://instagram.com/jwlevitt] * Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com [http://for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com/] 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] * 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/]. * PUMA: Get yours at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop! * GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES [https://goes.health/]—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.

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 via RunDoyen. Listen to hear about: * Struggles and challenges of transitioning to competitive running * Experimenting with trail and road running to train for marathons * Working through the mental challenges of getting back to running after injury * Coaching 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_morley [http://instagram.com/makena_morley] * For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod [http://instagram.com/forthelrpod] * Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt [http://instagram.com/jwlevitt] * Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com [http://for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com/] * RunDoyen: https://www.rundoyen.com/ This 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! [https://www.instagram.com/visitleadville/] * 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 running * How she balances running with business * The training and recovery techniques that work for Caitlyn * Avoiding overtraining with multiple active hobbies * Strategies while approaching race day  * Hot takes on treadmill running Stay connected: * Caitlyn Miller on Instagram: instagram.com/Caitlynmiller_fit [http://instagram.com/Caitlynmiller_fit] * Caitlyn Miller on Youtube: youtube.com/@caitlynmiller_fit [http://youtube.com/@caitlynmiller_fit] * Caitlyn Miller on TikTok: tiktok.com/@caitlynmiller_fit [http://tiktok.com/@caitlynmiller_fit] * For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod [http://instagram.com/forthelrpod] * Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt [http://instagram.com/jwlevitt] * Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com [http://for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com] This 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.  [https://shokz.com/?utm_source=FTLR&utm_medium=website] * 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]

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 distance * Building a 15-year Boston streak and what it means to be a streaker * Missing a sub-3-hour marathon by just one second and how she found peace with it * Surviving a spontaneous coronary artery dissection and learning to run again afterward * The mental shift from chasing times to embracing the journey and helping others * How joy, gratitude, and rest are now central to Annie’s version of success * The healing power of community and movement—even when you have to slow down Whether 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/ [https://www.instagram.com/anniek259/]  * For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod [http://instagram.com/forthelrpod] * Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt [http://instagram.com/jwlevitt] * Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com [http://for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com] This 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 [http://www.boulderthon.org]. * GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES [https://goes.health/]—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 running * Challenges of balancing training, work, and family life * Alignment of values with Allison’s sponsor, HOKA * Importance of picking races responsibly in order to not over-race * Positive influence of running on physical and mental health * Impact of small victories on overall well-being * Running community and desire to inspire and support others Stay connected: * Follow Allison Baca on Instagram: instagram.com/allisonlbaca [http://instagram.com/allisonlbaca] * For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod [http://instagram.com/forthelrpod] * Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt [http://instagram.com/jwlevitt] * Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com [http://for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com] 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] * 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 [http://www.boulderthon.org].