The Running Explained Podcast

In this episode of the Running Explained podcast, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava welcome Alison Mariella Désir, author of 'Running While Black'. They discuss the importance of freedom of movement, the challenges faced by Black and Brown runners, and the significance of creating inclusive running communities. Alison shares her journey into running, the founding of Harlem Run, and her experiences as a mental health therapist. Alison also chats about her PBS TV Show: Out and Back. The conversation also touches on accountability and allyship within the running industry, emphasizing the need for empathy and curiosity in understanding diverse experiences.

(00:00) Introduction to Alison Mariella Désir
(03:31) Freedom of Movement and Safety in Running
(06:26) Allison's Journey to Running and Community Building
(10:27) The Impact of Harlem Run and Inclusivity in Running
(16:08) Understanding Surveillance and Safety in Running While Black
(19:12) Empathy, Curiosity, and Conversations about Race
(23:00) Allison's PBS Show: Out and Back
(29:45) Climbing Kilimanjaro and Community Empowerment
(34:07) Overcoming Fear and Taking Action
(36:45) The Role of Accountability in Achieving Goals
(38:33) The Therapeutic Journey: Insights from Therapy
(46:55) Accountability and Allyship in the Running Community
(54:10) Empowerment and Community Engagement

Alison Mariella Désir is multi-talented: a founder, a doer, an activist, a connector, a visionary and an unapologetically straightforward communicator with a passion for movement, mental health, and racial equity. Alison got her start in the running and outdoor industry unintentionally, after seeing a Black friend train and complete a marathon. Inspired, Alison went on to run her first marathon and discovered that she had found a powerful tool to manage her depression. She’s been working to share the transformational power of running and movement ever since.

Website
Instagram
PBS Show

Amanda IG
Nick IG
Email - [email protected]

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📝PDF Training Plan Templates available
🤝Group Coaching, Strength Training and Unlimited access to all Training Plans available in The Run Club App
Learn more about all of this at www.runningexplained.com

In this episode of The Running Explained podcast, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava discuss eight proven ways to maintain a running routine beyond January. They emphasize the importance of mapping out a routine, starting small, setting realistic goals, and being flexible. The conversation also highlights the significance of consistency over performance, the role of mindset in running, and the benefits of external accountability. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical tips to help listeners enjoy their running journey and stay motivated throughout the year.

(00:00) Welcome to Season 6
(05:27) Proven Ways to Sustain Your Running Routine
(11:16) Start Small for Big Wins
(14:05) Set Realistic Goals Based on Your Life
(23:20) Stacking Habits for Success
(31:20) Consistency Over Metrics
(33:42) The Importance of Consistency
(35:43) Mindset Matters: Overcoming Mental Barriers
(38:29) Setting Process Goals for Success
(43:46) Flexibility in Training Plans
(49:42) The Role of External Accountability
Amanda - ⁠@amanda_katzz⁠
Nick - ⁠@nklastava⁠
Through Running Explained, We offer training plans, online courses, and 1:1 coaching designed to help runners achieve their goals while avoiding the common pitfalls of overtraining, underfueling, and burnout. Whether you’re training for your first half marathon or chasing a new PR, our guidance will help you train smarter, race stronger, and love the journey.
📲 Learn more at www.runnningexplained.com
📢 Follow on Instagram: @runningexplained

In this episode, Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava introduce themselves as the new hosts of the Running Explained podcast, taking over from Elisabeth. They discuss their excitement for the upcoming season, their vision for the podcast, and their commitment to making running more accessible and enjoyable for all listeners. The hosts emphasize the importance of community and invite feedback from listeners as they transition into this new chapter.

Amanda - ⁠@amanda_katzz⁠
Nick - ⁠@nklastava⁠
Email - [email protected]
🚨 1:1 COACHING SPOTS OPEN NOW 🚨
Ready to finally train with a plan that’s built around YOU?
✅ Personalized training
✅ Weekly support + adjustments
✅ Strategy, structure, and accountability
✅ Expert coaching to help you actually hit your goals
Go to https://www.runningexplained.com/runcoaching to learn more!

Season 5 is wrapping up a bit early, but don’t worry, Season 6 is coming soon with more great conversations, science, and running wisdom. In the meantime, revisit past episodes or explore everything Running Explained has to offer:
Our newsletter The Weekly Stride: https://www.runningexplained.com/
Our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@runningexplained
Training plans: https://www.runningexplained.com/plans
1:1 coaching options: https://www.runningexplained.com/runcoaching

If you have any suggestions or ideas for next season, DM us or email us at [email protected]. Thanks for being part of our running community!

This isn’t your typical clickbait-y “smash a marathon PR with just 3 runs a week” take. In one of our all-time favorite episodes, we're bringing back an insightful conversation with coach and elite mountain runner Kim Nedeau, who dives into how endurance athletes can thrive with a low run volume, high overall training volume approach.
Whether you're managing injury, burnout, or just looking to train smarter, this episode is packed with practical insights for making every mile (and every cross-training session) count.
What You'll Learn:
What is "low run volume/high training volume" training?
Who this training framework is best for
Manipulating training intensity distribution with lower running volume and higher cross-training volume
"But isn't more mileage always better?"
How is this framework different from multisport, i.e. triathlon, training?
Ways to configure a training week in this framework
How we're seeing more competitive and elite runners excel on lower run volume with high training volume
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Kim Nedeau, CES
(07:37) Transitioning to Low Volume Training
(11:01) Alternative Training Methods
(14:06) Determining Cross-Training Duration & Intensity
(20:24) Alternative Training vs Easy Runs in Zone 2
(27:51) Running Volume is Relative
(31:54) Sustainability in Training
(35:47) The Benefits of Alternative Exercise
(42:55) Minimum Running Frequency
(49:00) The Importance of Consistency
(51:24) Measuring Effort in Alternative Training Methods
(01:00:23) How to Measure Progress
Meet Kim:
Website: https://traininginclined.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimnedeau_traininginclined/?hl=en
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🚨 1:1 COACHING SPOTS OPEN NOW 🚨
Ready to finally train with a plan that’s built around YOU? If you're chasing a big goal, whether it's your first marathon or a shiny new PR, our incredible coaches are accepting new 1:1 coaching clients!ㅤ
Our Coaching Include:
✅ Personalized training
✅ Weekly support + adjustments
✅ Strategy, structure, and accountability
✅ Expert coaching to help you actually hit your goals

Head to https://www.runningexplained.com/runcoaching to learn more!

Research & production assistance by Sophie van Leeuwen