The Planted Runner

10 Imagination Games to Make Hard Running Feel Like Play

Want hard running to feel like play? On today’s show, I’m going over 10 imagination mind games that can almost instantly turn a tough run into a much easier one.   You’ll learn: * Breathing games that can change your focus * Games using the other runners around you, and * A few more of my favorites As always, you should know that you that listening to this once is probably not going to be enough to change your running immediately.  Just like running workouts build your legs when you do them consistently, your mental work is something you'll also need to practice repeatedly to get results. Some of these will resonate with you immediately while others just won’t be for you.  Take what works and leave the rest. If you are ready to take your mind to the next level for your next race, I’ve got you covered, with my new Find Your Flow State Audio training series.  Head to theplantedrunner.com/flowstate [http://theplantedrunner.com/flowstate] to learn more. Welcome to the Planted Runner. I’m Coach Claire Bartholic and my mission is to help you improve your running, your mindset, and your life with science-backed training and plant-based nutrition. If you need more help, you can order my book The Planted Runner: Running Your Best With Plant-Based Nutrition [https://theplantedrunner.com/book] wherever you get books or request a copy from your local library.  Don’t forget to stay tuned all the way to the end of the episode for another Mental Strength Minute. Fortify your mind in 60 seconds or less. LINKS: If you’d like help directly from me, you can check out my freebies, personal coaching, and sign up for my PR Team at https://www.theplantedrunner.com/link [https://theplantedrunner.com/link]. For my recommendations of at-home equipment and other running products I recommend, check out my curated list on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/theplantedrunner [https://www.amazon.com/shop/theplantedrunner] LIQUID IV: Just one stick of LIquid IV + 16 oz. of water hydrates better than water alone.  Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com/ [https://www.liquid-iv.com/] and use code PLANTED at checkout. RECENT REVIEWS: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Thank you “Wonderful podcast thank you for sharing your knowledge it’s golden! I enjoy learning from you and your guests.” Faye Aydin  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Inspiring story “Thanks for sharing your inspiring story. Listened to it three days before my race. Really feel encouraged and strong.” Kate CJ Lin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Great podcast so useful and inspiring “Great idea for runners and useful tips Love all the guests and tips for success Thank you Heather for Montana 😊😊😊👍” Night-Owl-3  Music Credits: Music from Uppbeat

Here's How to Get Unstuck In Your Running (Encore Run)

It some point in your running you are going to get stuck. It might be a performance plateau, or it could be a motivation issue when you can’t seem to get out of the door for a run when you used to love it so much. Or maybe  you are stuck in your head and you can’t seem to will your legs to do what you want. It might seem like it’s a physical limitation, that you just aren’t fit enough or young enough, but more often, it’s mental. Is there a way to get unstuck in all these situations?  Let’s find out. On today’s show, I’m joined by Adam Alter, a psychologist at New York University and New York Times Bestselling author.  His new book, Anatomy of a Breakthrough, explores how to get unstuck when it matters most.  You’ll learn: * Why we often get stuck as runners, especially in the middle, * Why our obsession with round numbers and data can be a good thing, and * how to work with our natural anxiety with perfectionism and on race day. Welcome to the Planted Runner. I’m Coach Claire Bartholic and my mission is to help you improve your running, your mindset, and your life with science-backed training and plant-based nutrition. If you need more help, you can order my book The Planted Runner: Running Your Best With Plant-Based Nutrition [https://theplantedrunner.com/book] wherever you get books or request a copy from your local library.  Don’t forget to stay tuned all the way to the end of the episode for another Mental Strength Minute. Fortify your mind in 60 seconds or less. LINKS: If you’d like help directly from me, you can check out my freebies, personal coaching, and sign up for my PR Team at https://www.theplantedrunner.com/link [https://theplantedrunner.com/link]. For my recommendations of at-home equipment and other running products I recommend, check out my curated list on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/theplantedrunner [https://www.amazon.com/shop/theplantedrunner] LIQUID IV: Just one stick of LIquid IV + 16 oz. of water hydrates better than water alone.  Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com/ [https://www.liquid-iv.com/] and use code PLANTED at checkout. RECENT REVIEWS: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Mental Strength! “I found The Planted Runner blog and podcast when I was in the midst of training for my first half marathon this past spring. Coach Claire’s information on a variety of running topics have really helped as a beginner; I especially love the mental strength minute segment! I never thought that running would be a part of my life, but I started a running habit in order to combat postpartum depression. I’m so thankful to have this podcast as a resource so that I can continue to train in an intelligent way, with a lower chance of injury. In the fall, I am planning to run my second half marathon. I am so excited to start my Half Marathon training plan from The Planted Runner in a few weeks. 😁” klynnsingh ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Great info whether you are plant based or not. “I’ll start by saying I’m not a runner(mountain biker), and I’m not plant based. However this has become one of my new favorite podcasts. I stumbled across it by searching “running shoes”. Lots of good health information, and interviews.” Dobbsfamily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Claire is the best podcast host! “Coach Claire makes her topics relatable and easy to understand. Keep up the great work! BHZ” Music Credits: Music from Uppbeat

How to Plan the Perfect 2026 Running Schedule

Ready to plan your 2026 running schedule?  I’ll explain how to plan the perfect year of training for all your running goals from 5k to the marathon. You’ll learn: * what happens when you don’t make a strategic plan for your goals, * how and when to mix up your distances and your training, and * I’ll explore what a well-planned yearly calendar looks like for marathoners, half marathoners, and 5k or 10k racers. This episode is going to be extremely helpful to plan out a whole year of running, but remember, you don’t have to do this alone.  I still have a few more spots on the PR Team and you get a major discount when you sign up for a full year.  Imagine having the whole year sketched out for you, while allowing flexibility for life.  Each cycle blends seamlessly to the next with plenty of time for fitness building, recovery, and room to try new things. Join us at www.theplantedrunner.com/group [http://www.theplantedrunner.com/group] Welcome to the Planted Runner. I’m Coach Claire Bartholic and my mission is to help you improve your running, your mindset, and your life with science-backed training and plant-based nutrition. If you need more help, you can order my book The Planted Runner: Running Your Best With Plant-Based Nutrition [https://theplantedrunner.com/book] wherever you get books or request a copy from your local library.  Don’t forget to stay tuned all the way to the end of the episode for another Mental Strength Minute. Fortify your mind in 60 seconds or less. LINKS: If you’d like help directly from me, you can check out my freebies, personal coaching, and sign up for my PR Team at https://www.theplantedrunner.com/link [https://theplantedrunner.com/link]. For my recommendations of at-home equipment and other running products I recommend, check out my curated list on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/theplantedrunner [https://www.amazon.com/shop/theplantedrunner] LIQUID IV: Just one stick of LIquid IV + 16 oz. of water hydrates better than water alone.  Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com/ [https://www.liquid-iv.com/] and use code PLANTED at checkout. RECENT REVIEWS: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Mental Strength Powerhouse A uniques, highly informative podcast, especially with the Mental Strength Minute that Claire gives us at the end of each episode.  In fact, Claire’s “The Ultimate Race Day Guided Visualization for Runners” (episode 53 from 8/31/23) has been a game-changer for me.  I use it frequently during every marathon cycle.  It was a crucial part of the mental strength work that helped my finally BQ! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Great podcast Claire has amazing guests and I learn such valuable information from her. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Unique This podcast, in addition to featuring scientific and engaging content, has another important quality: it combines the coach’s personal experience and insights on the topic and presents them in the simplest way possible.  This unique aspect makes the podcast incredibly valuable and enjoyable to listen to. Music Credits: Music from Uppbeat

PRTL: 50 Marathons in 50 States

Welcome to the PR Training Lab!  Go behind the scenes with me as I create a custom training plan for one lucky runner. In this episode, we feature Leigh: 🏃🏽‍♀️47 years old 🏃🏿training for 50 marathons in 50 states 🏃🏼‍♀️3-5 races a year at “party pace” Learn how I create a custom marathon training plan for Leigh. Follow along with the questions I ask each runner: 1.  What is your goal? 2.  How long have you been running regularly? 3.  Do you have any current or recurring injuries?   4.  What are your RECENT (past 6-12 months) race times and distances?  If you have not raced recently, but have in the past, please estimate your race fitness.  If you have never raced, or not in a very long time, please estimate how fast you could run 1 mile (1.6km) as fast as possible. 5.  How many miles or kilometers per week do you typically run (do not include race weeks or taper weeks)? 6.  What is the highest amount of weekly mileage you've ever run and how long ago was that? 7.  How long is your average/most recent long run? 8.  What pace would you say is a very easy effort, relaxed pace for an average run?  This is a pace so slow that you could talk the entire time almost as easily as walking. 9. When do you want to run and rest? 10. What are your favorite and least favorite  kinds of running workouts? 11.  Do you strength train and/or cross train? 12. What do you struggle with? If you would like to win a free custom training plan and be featured in a future episode, first write a review of the show on Apple Podcast and then enter at https://www.theplantedrunner.com/prlab  If you need more help, you can order my book The Planted Runner: Running Your Best With Plant-Based Nutrition [https://theplantedrunner.com/book] wherever you get books or request a copy from your local library.  LINKS: If you’d like help directly from me, you can check out my freebies, personal coaching, and sign up for my PR Team at https://www.theplantedrunner.com/link [https://theplantedrunner.com/link]. For my recommendations of at-home equipment and other running products I recommend, check out my curated list on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/theplantedrunner [https://www.amazon.com/shop/theplantedrunner] LIQUID IV: Just one stick of LIquid IV + 16 oz. of water hydrates better than water alone.  Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com/ [https://www.liquid-iv.com/] and use code PLANTED at checkout. RECENT REVIEWS: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐A+ I appreciate Coach Claire’s positive insights on training! JRA4177 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Great podcast Claire has amazing guests and I learn such valuable information from her. Jill Nuge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Unique This podcast, in addition to featuring scientific and engaging content, has another important quality: it combines the coach’s personal experience and insights on the topic and presents them in the simplest way possible.  This unique aspect makes the podcast incredibly valuable and enjoyable to listen to. nmroshan Music Credits: Music from Uppbeat

How to Have a Delicious and Stress-Free Plant-Based Thanksgiving (Encore Run)

When you’re plant-based and your family and friends aren’t, it can feel like you’re the odd one out.  If you’re hosting and you’re not making turkey on Thanksgiving, your meat-eating guests are likely to grumble.  If you’re a guest, you might go hungry unless you show up with a vegan meal to share. Is there any way to make the holiday gathering go a little smoother for everyone this year? Let’s find out. Today, I’m talking with a very special guest, Nick Cutsumpas, also known as Farmer Nick. Nick is an Emmy-winning plant-based gardener, landscaper, and plant coach. I invited him on the show to have a conversation all about how to have a happy and healthy holiday when you’re plant-based and your family is not. We go over: * Meal ideas whether you are a guest or if you are hosting, * Potluck do’s and don’ts, and  * How to best respond to common questions, without being that angry vegan And, I couldn’t help myself, we also talk a little about gardening and houseplants, two more things Nick and I have in common. Welcome to the Planted Runner. I’m Coach Claire Bartholic and my mission is to help you improve your running, your mindset, and your life with science-backed training and plant-based nutrition. If you need more help, you can order my book The Planted Runner: Running Your Best With Plant-Based Nutrition [https://theplantedrunner.com/book] wherever you get books or request a copy from your local library.  Don’t forget to stay tuned all the way to the end of the episode for another Mental Strength Minute. Fortify your mind in 60 seconds or less. LINKS: If you’d like help directly from me, you can check out my freebies, personal coaching, and sign up for my PR Team at https://www.theplantedrunner.com/link [https://theplantedrunner.com/link]. For my recommendations of at-home equipment and other running products I recommend, check out my curated list on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/theplantedrunner [https://www.amazon.com/shop/theplantedrunner] EARTH BREEZE Get your stinkiest running clothes clean (without the mess and plastic waste). Join me and the 2,000,000+ happy customers who made the switch to laundry detergent eco sheets, an elegant solution to the endless plastic jugs piling up in our landfills and laundry rooms. Get started today and enjoy 40% off when you subscribe and save. Cancel any time. Love your laundry or your money back guaranteed. https://earthbreeze.com/pages/plantedrunner [https://earthbreeze.com/pages/plantedrunner] NOURIFY PLUS from PREVINEX: Simply the highest quality, best tasting plant-based protein powder you can buy. If you are ready to simplify your nutrition and optimize your fueling, you can try Nourify for 20% off the regular price with my unique link https://previnex.refr.cc/default/u/claireb [https://previnex.refr.cc/default/u/claireb] RECENT REVIEWS: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Great listen! “Recently started listening to Claire and thoroughly enjoy the wisdom she shares from years of experience. As a new but older runner she provides not just inspiration but scientific proof that progress is possible. It’s a great listen!” AnnaPerrott ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Great source of information “A great mix of topics and a charismatic speaker. I would love an episode on running mechanics, which muscle, bones, ligaments and tendons are activated with each step” agrancea  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Look forward to this every week! “Out of the few running podcasts I enjoy, this is definitely my first go-to as new ones come out! I’m a vegetarian and definitely still new to the whole running thing, so this show has been super interesting and helpful along the way! Thank you for doing it!” jessicaa_xx3  Music Credits: Music from Uppbeat