For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Royi Metser is the founder and CEO of Avelo, the company behind the world's first smart running shoe. Running changed Royi’s life in 2021 after a blood test was the kick in the butt he needed to make a change. Three days later he signed up for his first marathon. It was through his personal mission to improve at running that he decided to build a product to measure force and form and use the data to help runners improve performance and reduce risk of injury. Listen to hear about: * How signing up for a marathon motivated Royi to start running again * How struggles with achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis made Royi curious about creating a product that measures data at the feet * Creating a smart running shoe and the challenges of building footwear, software, and hardware all together * Behind the scenes of Royi’s start-up, Avelo, the world’s first smart running shoe Stay connected: * Avelo on IG: instagram.com/avelorunning [http://instagram.com/avelorunning]  * 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/]. * PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at www.puma.com [http://www.puma.com/]. * 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. Note about Avelo: I believe so strongly in what Avelo is doing that I’ve been advising the team behind the scenes for the last two years!

Want to build your mental strength and confidence before your next race? Neal Palles is an ultrarunning coach and a psychotherapist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant. Through his private practice, Colorado Psychotherapy and Sport Performance, he works with athletes who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or a performance related issue to help them focus on what matters. Listen to hear about: * Jon’s performance and mentality at the Black Canyon 50k * The difference between confidence and self-compassion * Why failure should be normalized since it’s the first step toward learning * Setting appropriate goals for the long haul (or run) Stay connected: * Neal on Instagram: instagram.com/nealpalles [http://instagram.com/nealpalles] and instagram.com/coloradopsychotherapyandsport [http://instagram.com/coloradopsychotherapyandsport]  * 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. Use code FTLR2025 at this link [https://tifosiopticsinc.pxf.io/4GWNnM] for 15% off your pair. * 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]. * 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. * 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.

Boston is coming up next week, and to celebrate, we have a special bonus episode with you to give you the complete guide to the Boston Marathon experience with George Woodward. George Woodward is a father, data scientist, runner, and certified coach who came to running and racing late in life. Boston 2025 will be Marathon number 21 and Boston number nine.  He runs with the Somerville Road Runners in USATF events and runs for fun with November Project and the Heartbreakers. Running has allowed him to meet many fantastic people and has added richness to his life. Listen to hear about: * The FULL race weekend experience * How the Boston Marathon presents challenging experiences for all runners * Pro tips for the Athlete Village * A mile-by-mile preview of the course itself Helpful links: * Somerville Road Runners [https://www.srr.org/] * Boston Marathon [https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon] * George’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/gswoodward/] * George’s Threads [https://www.threads.net/@gswoodward]

Family life in an athletic family can be a balancing act. Jenny Jurek is an avid runner and adventure seeker sharing her passion of the outdoors with her two young children and husband, Scott Jurek. After twenty years designing sustainable outdoor apparel, she recently launched her own business, “Always Up”, which offers performance products that empower parents to stay active during pregnancy and beyond. Listen to hear about: * Camaraderie and community of running ultramarathons * Navigating athletic objectives while being a mom * Writing the book “North” with Scott * How a career in design and love for trail running complement each other  * Maintaining your own identity when your partner is a famous runner  * Challenges and rewards of raising kids in a place like Boulder, CO Stay connected: * Jenny on Instagram: instagram.com/jureksontherun [http://instagram.com/jureksontherun/?hl=en] * Jenny on YouTube: youtube.com/@jureksontherun [http://youtube.com/@jureksontherun] * Always Up Website: alwaysup.love [https://www.alwaysup.love/] * NORTH on Amazon amazon.com/North-Finding-While-Running-Appalachian/dp/0316433799 [http://amazon.com/North-Finding-While-Running-Appalachian/dp/0316433799] * 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: * 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. * 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] * 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]. * Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2025 at this link [https://tifosiopticsinc.pxf.io/4GWNnM] for 15% off your pair.

What does it take to build a passion-based activewear line? Caitlyn Miller is a 26 year old business owner and marathon runner. Caitlyn’s business, Expntl Athletics, specializes in activewear for distance runners.  Listen to hear about: * How social media helped Caitlyn connect to audiences and build a brand * Navigating the mental and physical aspects of a sacrum injury * Distinguishing between good and bad pain and learning to trust your body again * The vision and inspiration of Expntl Athletics * Bringing authenticity and passion to entrepreneurship  Stay connected: * Caitlyn on Instagram: instagram.com/caitlynmiller_fit/ [http://instagram.com/caitlynmiller_fit/] * Caitlyn on Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@caitlynmiller_fit [http://tiktok.com/@caitlynmiller_fit?lang=en] * Caitlyn on Youtube: youtube.com/@caitlynmiller_fit [http://youtube.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: * 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]. * Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2025 at this link [https://tifosiopticsinc.pxf.io/4GWNnM] for 15% off your pair. * PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at www.puma.com [http://www.puma.com]. * 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]