The Elevate Your Running Podcast

Clayton Young is chasing the American Record—and in this episode, we’re talking about what it really takes to perform at the highest level.
In Episode 226 of the Elevate Your Running Podcast, we’re covering elite marathon training, my latest Chicago Marathon training updates, and one of the most important performance tools a runner has: your mindset.
Clayton Young is coming off an incredible stretch of marathon racing and has his sights set on the American Record. We’ll talk about what makes Clayton such a consistent and competitive marathoner, what elite runners can teach all of us about the process, and what it looks like to chase a big goal when the margin for error is incredibly small.
I’ll also share a Chicago Marathon training update, including what my training is looking like, how I’m approaching the final stages of marathon preparation, and the lessons I’m learning along the way.
And finally, we’re diving into something every runner can use: how to make your mind your greatest asset. Your mindset can either become a limiting factor or one of your biggest performance advantages. We’ll talk about confidence, staying present, handling hard workouts, managing doubt, and learning to trust the work you’ve put in.
Whether you’re training for a marathon, chasing a PR, working toward a Boston Qualifying time, or simply trying to become a stronger and more confident runner, this episode will give you plenty to think about—and hopefully put into practice.
In this episode:
• Clayton Young’s pursuit of the American Record
• What we can learn from elite marathon training
• My latest Chicago Marathon training updates
• How to build confidence as a runner
• Turning your mindset into a performance advantage
• Staying focused when training gets hard
• Learning to trust your training and yourself
• The mental side of chasing a big marathon goal
If you’re ready to run stronger, think stronger, and elevate your running, this episode is for you.

Resources & Links:
Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team  – Coaching and Programs

elevateyourrunning.com

Instagram – Join the Community

Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy

Email Coach Sara for podcast feedback, training questions, and if you’re curious about working together! 

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel 
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning. 
Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform! 

PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:
Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20
Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription
Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off
Skratch Labs - Use this link for 20% off your next order!

Where to Listen:

Meghan Howard is back to share what she’s been up to since she ran a breakthrough marathon in Toyko earlier this year!

We spent time connecting on how she is thinking about her next marathon in October, the Chicago Marathon
How she balances running high volume (86 - 90 miles a week) with life, staying consistent while having fun!
What she's changing for her Chicago Marathon build
How being a Lululemon Ambassador gives back in more ways than she could have ever imagined! 
Resources & Links:
Follow Meghan on Instagram 

Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team  – Coaching and Programs

elevateyourrunning.com

Instagram – Join the Community

Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel 
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning. 
Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform! 

PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:
Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20
Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription
Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off
Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!
Where to Listen:

In this month's episode, Coach Sara shares the importance of mindset relating to Josh Kerr's world record in the mile, her own Chicago training and if she found a coach, and how to get out of the summer running rut if the weather is getting you down!
Resources & Links:
Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team  – Coaching and Programs

elevateyourrunning.com

Instagram – Join the Community

Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel 
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning. 
Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform! 

PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:
Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20
Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription
Senitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attached
Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off
Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!
Where to Listen:

I couldn't stay away all summer! In this episode, I share:
the Marathon Moment and How Races are learning to adapt (which is helping all of us)
where I'm at with my own training and why the process to partner with a coach has been a long journey
how to have fun and work hard while chasing goals - yes, it can be done, and I'm a big believe if you can find the balance, you will find your potential in the sport!

Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team  – Coaching and Programs

elevateyourrunning.com

Instagram – Join the Community

Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel 
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning. 
Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform! 

PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:
Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20
Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription
Senitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attached
Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off
Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!
Where to Listen:

Resources & Links:
Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team  – Coaching and Programs

elevateyourrunning.com

Instagram – Join the Community

Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel 
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning. 
Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform! 

PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:
Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20
Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription
Senitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attached
Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off
Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!
Where to Listen: