12 Inspiring Running Podcasts
When I started running, I realized it was hard work. I desperately needed something to help disconnect my mind from the pain of exercise and the labor of breathing through it. At first I tried music, but I found I was able to run for longer with audiobooks. I loved listening to stories while pounding the pavement, but while it was a good distraction, it didn’t really motivate me to push myself further. So, I started looking for something that would inspire me and give me the advice I sorely needed on how to run better and further. As podcasts were the trend for go-to easy listening, I looked for running podcasts to listen to - and this is where my true running experience began.
Podcasts are a great companion for runners. They offer a variety of content that ranges from specialized running tips and fitness discussions to advice on life and storytelling. They provide entertainment, education, and motivation, or just a simple distraction to help runners stay energized and focused. Whether it's personal experiences of adversity and victory, the engaging conversations on everyday topics, or the latest scientific research on training and recovery, these podcasts can enhance your running routine, making each step more enjoyable. The right podcast can turn a monotonous jog into an uplifting discovery of the mind and body.
Most of these podcasts are specifically about running, while others are fitness related, and some just cover all the basic life topics. There is something for everyone, all kinds of runners and for all kinds of moods. Here is a list of some of the best running podcasts:
Tread Lightly Podcast – Coaches Sharing Tips and Science
Tread Lightly Podcast - Laura Norris Running
The Tread Lightly Podcast is the one for you if you like to run smarter, not harder. Hosted by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, they use their combined 20 years of coaching experience to break down common myths, training tips, and more! Laura has a Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science, on top of 7+ years of coaching experience, while Amanda has been using her journalism degree to create running content for millions of readers over the past decade.
They use their expertise to provide listeners with practical advice on everything from how to avoid common injuries, to running supplements, training methods, and more. So if you like a casual conversational style podcast, feeling the comfort of being with good friends while gaining from their knowledge and past experiences to help you become a better runner by training smarter, then this one is for you!
The Running For Real Podcast
Podcast - Running For Real with Tina Muir
Host Tina Muir is an elite-level marathoner from Great Britain. In the podcast she explores the reasons why we love to run and gives us the opportunity to discover ways it helps us become better people. This podcast was the Sports Podcasts Award winner of 2021 and continues to be a very popular choice as it is not afraid to dig into the more difficult aspects of running, talking about (mostly) running-related challenges with a variety of guests, including runners, coaches, scientists, and medical providers. Muir is relatable and inspiring as she is not afraid to discuss serious issues, including her own struggles. She also believes running can be a way to change social norms and is passionate about dealing with climate issues resulting in the listener learning about more than just running and covering the issues that have a meaningful impact on runners’ lives.
Running Explained Podcast – Coach Interviewing Experts
Coach Elisabeth Scott interviews experts in all different areas of training such as ‘Why am I gaining weight during marathon training? with Holley Samuel, RD, Med, CPT’, or S2/E31 ‘Your Knees and Running with Dr. Lauren LaPierre. You’ll get more tips on fueling, physical therapy, training paces and even treadmill running. This podcast is for everyone, new AND experienced runners, from training to racing, nutrition, recovery and gear.
On her website https://www.runningexplained.co you can find her weekly podcast episodes as well as other tools to help with your running experience. From The Run Club Training app to group coaching and training plans. All to help you achieve your goal of becoming a better, faster, smarter runner.
Hit Play Not Pause – Fit Women Over 50
Hit Play Not Pause Archives - Live Feisty
Selene Yeager hosts this is Feisty Menopause podcast for active, performance-minded menopausal women who aren’t willing to put their best years behind them. You can reimagine what you can accomplish as an active woman in your 40’s, 50’s and beyond. They discuss how to optimize your physiology, maintain your fitness, and harness your power in, throughout, and past the menopause transition. Your best years are not behind you!
With a high rating on Apple Podcasts, this has reviews such as – ‘’Recently discovered Hit Play Not Pause and holy moly. Thank you Selene for your work, your honesty, for being real, and for bringing these hugely important subjects with awesome guests. Though I wish I had this knowledge 10 years ago (I’m 56) I’m hopeful for all the younger women (including my daughter down the road) benefitting from this information now. Thank you, thank you.’’
Ali On The Run – Personable Conversations
Podcast For Runners | The Ali On The Run Show (aliontherunblog.com)
In this podcast, journalist and runner Ali Feller chats with runners of all abilities and those with careers in the running industry. Feller is approachable, and her casual interview style helps her guests feel at ease to discuss a variety of topics, which is why it is one of the leading running podcasts in the world, with over 20 million downloads.
The host’s first love was of dancing but when she grew tired of her tap shoes, she turned to an old pair of sneakers. She has since completed six marathons, not to mention more half marathons and other races. So once she pursued her desire to write about it with her Ali on the Run blog, she decided to go a step further to connect with a wider audience and network through the Ali on the Run Show Podcast. Not only does she interview runners about why they love the sport and how running makes them feel, but also what they do when they’re not on the run.
She talks with inspiring people who lead interesting lives on the run and beyond. And while running is the thing that brings us all together, on these episodes, they cover more than just what happens on the run. We learn the whys behind the runs. The decisions people have made to get where they are today, and how getting sweaty running has factored in. Whether you’re on the run toward something great or away from whatever is holding you back, this is a great podcast to go on the journey with you.
Believe in the Run, The Drop
believeintherun.com/shows/the-drop-podcast/
With a mix of nonsense and running it is more than just a running podcast. How many thoughts run through our minds while we are running? More often than not nonsensical things, ponderings or lists of things that we need to do.
The Drop is brought to you by hosts Thomas Neuberger, Robbe Reddinger, and Meaghan Murray. But this isn't your typical running podcast– they talk about running, but also discuss a wide range of topics, from pop culture to picking up trash in Baltimore. They also interview elite athletes, industry insiders, musicians, coaches, and more. Follow along as they also discuss their own running highs and lows, as well as their favorite shoes and gear.
Listen to episode 285, Paris Recap, Favorite Olympic Moments, Berlind & Chicago Marathons are Comin’. 285 | Paris Recap, Favorite Olympic Moments, Berlin & Chicago Marathons are Comin' - The Drop | Podcast on Spotify
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth – Strength Focused
Mind Pump Media | Fitness Podcast & Online Training Programs
Over 1500 episodes and 2 million downloads per month, the hosts, Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer and Justin Andrews have over 40 years of combined fitness experience as personal trainers, club managers, IFBB competitors and fitness thought leaders.
It could be classed as the fitness industry's most provocative podcast, especially for runners who may not want to spend time in the gym they really help you embrace the value.
They came together and created Mind Pump as a platform to shed the light of truth on health, fitness and a host of other wellness topics. By listening to Mind Pump, you will quickly cut through the fitness world and start to understand the quickest way to reach your health and fitness goals.
Listen to Episode 2397 How Do I Train Like My Favorite Athlete?
Trail Runner Nation– Trail Running
Podcasts – Trail Runner Nation
With over 660 shows it is one of trail running’s longest-running podcasts, and one of its most downloaded. Here’s a podcast with a focus on real people pushing boundaries. This trail runner podcast is obviously going to offer a lot more for you trail runners with tips that are specific to nutrition, footing, ultra events and more.
Hosts Don Freeman and Scott Warr cover different topics related to trail running and even focus on issues such as mental focus and pacing strategies that will definitely appeal to all types of runners no matter where they run.
The hosts and their guests are very knowledgeable, but they present information in a fun way and seem to genuinely want to help other people enjoy running.
Listen to Episode 686: Unlock the Secrets to Long-term Running Success EP 686: Unlock the Secrets to Long-Term Running Success – Trail Runner Nation
Fuel for the Sole
Fuel for the Sole | Podcast on Spotify
Are you feeling stuck with training or on race day? Fuel for the Sole is a podcast hosted by Believe in the Run and sports dietitian, Meghann Featherstun to get all the nutrition advice you never knew you were missing. From myth-busting to carb loading correctly, they help you to get you on your way to your best race ever. Together they answer your questions about nutrition, hydration and the effects it has on performance. They’ll discuss the latest tech gadgets, nutrition products on the market and bring in the occasional specialist to help you on your way.
Listen to Episode 82, Homemade sports nutrition, hitting the wall, and the energy difference between running and run-walking. 82 | Homemade sports nutrition, hitting the wall, and the energy differences between running and run-walking - Fuel for the Sole | Podcast on Spotify
The Morning Shakeout – Interviews with High Profile Athletes
The Morning Shakeout: A Running Podcast with Mario Fraioli
The host Mario Fraioli gives unique insights and inspiration from a wide range of athletes, coaches, and personalities in the sport of running through conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. The show quickly established itself as one of the top podcasts in running and has featured the likes of 2:09 marathoner Scott Fauble, two-time Olympian and Boston Marathon champion Des Linden, Olympic silver medalist and New York City and Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi, and Olympic Trials Marathon champion Aliphine Tuliamuk to name a few.
Marathon Training Academy
Podcasts | Marathon Training Academy
The Marathon Training Academy Podcast was started in 2010 to inspire and empower everyday people to live healthier lives and achieve fitness goals by unleashing their marathon potential. Co-hosts Angie and Trevor want you to believe that you have what it takes to run a marathon and change your life!
Determined to find a smarter way to train and share it with the world, Angie began a quest that is now Marathon Training Academy. She has since run 72 marathons (including 6 ultramarathons) with a PR of 3:19:55. She is a registered nurse and certified running coach. Her husband and co-host Trevor Spencer (MA Organizational Leadership) is Co-Founder at Marathon Training Academy and producer of the MTA Podcast. He completed 24 marathons, one trail 50k in the Rockies, 27 half marathons, and a Spartan Trifecta. Trevor is a natural and witty speaker and emcee at marathon expos and loves to host in-person events for fans of the MTA Podcast. They want to inspire and empower everyday people to live healthier lives and achieve fitness goals by unleashing their marathon potential. The podcast is downloaded over 100,000 times per month by listeners around the world and is a hand-selected iTunes podcast.
Run to the Top Podcast
Running Podcast - Runners Connect
Each week, the host Corey Nagler interviews athletes, coaches, scientists, psychologists, nutritionists, and even regular runners. They discuss different topics such as mental preparation, preventing injury, breaking through plateaus, and more. No matter what you want to know about running, this podcast probably has an episode about it which is shown by the over six million podcast downloads and 5 star reviews.
So whatever way you like to run and for however long, listen to one of these podcasts to educate, encourage, entertain and inspire you through your journey.
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