“If I think about the biggest impact anything’s had on my life, running has probably had the largest impact,” says Thomas Neuberger, the founder of Believe in the Run. Thomas reflects on his initial experiences in running and how a personal blog documenting his TransRockies race training evolved into a leading voice in running gear reviews.

Thomas shares the importance of community in running, highlighting how he started the Faster Bastards—a running club that fosters camaraderie through events and shakeout runs.

Tune in to gain insights into the continuous innovation in running footwear, including a recent trip to Adidas Headquarters. Learn about Thomas’s top running shoe picks for training and racing, and discover how he utilizes the Lever Movement system for injury recovery.

Quotes

• “When the website started up for TransRockies, I started getting inquiries and people were asking, ‘what gear are you wearing? What are you doing? You’re doing a lot of mileage to gear up for this challenge, what type of gear are you using?’ So I started talking about it. And as I started talking about it, people cared less about what training I was doing and more about the gear I was wearing. So I learned really quickly, like, ‘Oh, if I want attention, talk about the gear.’ And so it quickly became a very gear-centric place to be.” (10:44 | Thomas Neuberger)

• “When you’re running, it’s not necessarily an expensive sport, but if you want all the gear and stuff, it gets expensive pretty quick.” (11:24 | Thomas Neuberger)

• “We’re in a really nice moment in the running shoe industry where there’s a lot of good product out there.” (23:56 | Thomas Neuberger)

Links

Connect with Thomas Neuberger:

https://www.instagram.com/tfneuberger/

https://www.instagram.com/believeintherun/

https://believeintherun.com/

https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/

https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

What keeps Dutch Olympian Mike Foppen running despite setbacks and injuries? This episode dives into his athletic journey from soccer player to national record holder in track, exploring the challenges and triumphs he’s faced, including his recovery from an injury at the Tokyo Olympics. Mike discusses his transition to full-time running, his goal to break the sub-13-minute barrier in the 5k, and how the Lever system has been crucial in his training and recovery phases.

Listeners will gain insights into the demanding world of elite athletics, discovering how Mike handles injuries, prepares for major competitions like the Olympics, and utilizes modern training aids to enhance performance. Whether you’re an aspiring runner or a seasoned sports fan, this episode provides a thorough insight into overcoming obstacles and pursuing excellence in high-stakes competition.

Quotes

• “I’m basically preparing for the Olympics as if I’m already qualified.” (07:51 | Mike Foppen)

• “We’re always balancing on a thin line when it comes to injuries and training, but I think I didn’t go too far, I would say. I just took a lot of risks last year. And it’s part of the game.” (11:35 | Mike Foppen)

• “I think for rehabilitation, it was mostly the exercises that really helped my tendons. So you got to build up, of course. I started doing alternative training first, I think, so not directly running. I really wanted three full weeks of running then started building that up with the lever. Actually, that’s where the lever got involved as well. I borrowed it from another runner I know. That really helped me in the build up by just increasing the mileage, but being able to keep it under control.” (24:14 | Mike Foppen)

Links

Connect with Mike Foppen:

https://www.instagram.com/mikefoppen/

https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/

https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“Going into Ultraman, it was making it to the starting line healthy and proving to myself that I could do big things healthy. I did that and I succeeded,” says Ultraman athlete Katie Solbo. In this episode, the seasoned triathlete discusses the extreme challenges of competing in one of the world's most grueling endurance races.

Recently securing the second female spot in an Ultraman event—just minutes behind the leader—Katie delves into her meticulous preparation and race performance. She shares details of her specialized training regimen for the Ultraman. After overcoming multiple foot surgeries, Katie adopted a training approach focused on low-intensity, high-volume workouts, advised by her coach. This strategy incorporated the use of the Lever to minimize impact and aid recovery crucial for building endurance and managing fatigue in such a demanding race.

Katie also explores broader strategies for tackling extreme physical challenges, discussing sustainable training methods and the mental toughness required for ultra-endurance events. Her insights are valuable for athletes considering an Ultraman race, emphasizing the importance of consistent, gentle training and thorough mental preparation for formidable competitions.

Quotes

• “I got into this sport just by the allure of fitness itself. And then I was like, ‘Oh, I wonder what it looks like to do all three together.’ And so I fell face first in the triathlon. And my why has been geared towards achieving bigger and greater things for me. So whether that was a world championship or a PR and like an everyday role out of bed, it’s like I want to be faster, better, stronger. That’s my ultimate goal.” (03:09 | Katie Solbo)

• “Going into Ultraman, it was making it to the starting line healthy and proving to myself that I could do big things healthy. I did that and I succeeded.” (03:38 | Katie Solbo)

• “The biggest lesson I learned—and I definitely took that into the Ultraman Florida training—was that the lever is my best friend. For my body, for the way my muscles recover, for my propensity of injury, I needed to put much more emphasis on staying on the lever than having outdoor miles. The importance was just there for me.” (12:28 | Katie Solbo)

• “I don’t think Ultraman is unattainable for anyone. If you are dedicated and you have a couple years of just consistent training under your belt. Because when it comes down to it, I look back, I relied so heavily on years of consistent training to allow me to get to the finish line. And that’s what it takes.” (30:31 | Katie Solbo)

Links

Connect with Katie Solbo:

https://www.instagram.com/tri_kat23/

https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/

https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm