Chipotle Mexican Grill has partnered with Strava to motivate runners across the globe with free burrito bowls and we’re speaking with Vice-President of Brand Marketing, Stephanie Purdue, to find out more about this unique challenge.
During the interview we chat all about the City Challenge, including:
To hear about this one-of-a-kind event, be sure to listen to today’s episode.
Socials:
City Challenge Press Release: https://newsroom.chipotle.com/2025-01-02-CHIPOTLE-X-STRAVA-PARTNERSHIP-GOES-GLOBAL-INTRODUCING-THE-CITY-CHALLENGE-IN-25-MARKETS-TO-KICK-OFF-2025
Other City Challenge Instagram Content:
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This week’s show brought to you by:
MAS Iron
Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.
Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance.
The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize.
In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed.
But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance.
By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market.
In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%.
Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.
The Race Fueling Blueprint
Did you experience what it was like to hit the wall at your last race?
Or maybe you're running your first half, full or ultra and you fear what that dreaded wall looks like?
Well, what if I told you there was an exact, scientifically-researched formula to calculate exactly how much glycogen, water and electrolytes you personally need to guarantee you don't hit the wall?
That’s exactly what we give you with our Race Fueling Blueprint.
The blueprint allows you to simply enter your data (like your weight, goal time and current fitness and then we calculate YOUR exact, specific fueling needs during the race
More importantly, the Blueprint then provides an actionable, easy-to-follow prescription for how to practice, carbo-load, taper and execute your exact racing nutrition strategy.
Plus, the calculations can factor in any food preferences or sensitivities, whether you’re a heavy or light sweater and even what type of gels and fluids you prefer to use.
And with the kick off to the spring racing season, we’re offering our patented Cramp Prevention Program as an added bonus to the Blueprint.
The Cramp prevention program is a first-of-it’s-kind strength program specifically focused on training your body not to cramp during long races.
So, if you're tired of hitting the wall or cramping during your longer races, we'll provide you with everything you need to get through your next race strong. Get yours here to runnersconnect.net/fuel
There’s no better preparation for race day than another race but the key is understanding how to schedule your races so that it enhances your training rather than getting in the way.
We’ll cover racing topics today that include:
If you want to know how to make racing a more regular part of your training routine then make sure you listen to today’s show.
Tune-up Racing Blog: How to Incorporate Tune-Up Races into Your Training - Runners Connect
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This week’s show brought to you by:
Lagoon
Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery.
Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more.
And the data on sleep improvement isn’t only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.
If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top
Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that’s perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you’ll also save 15% off your purchase.
The running boom has brought lots of changes, but which of these new trends are actually good for the sport?
The RC team is bringing you another underrated or overrated episode focusing on trends in running, and we’re bringing on coach Ruairi to answer questions like:
We’ll get into all the fun and bizarre trends in sport from running influencers to Strava art. So which trends are overrated?
We’ve got opinions and you probably do too, so let’s get into the episode on which running trends are overrated or underrated.
Connect, Comment, Community
This week’s show brought to you by:
Lagoon
Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery.
Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more.
And the data on sleep improvement isn’t only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.
If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top
Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that’s perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you’ll also save 15% off your purchase.
MetPro
Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.
Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.
MetPro’s coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they’re empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.
Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt
Running doesn’t take a lot of equipment, but racing can be expensive.
The cost of running a world major marathon or another race abroad can really add up but these are our 10 best tips to save a little money on costs such as:
While we are giving these tips, we still recognise that it's not going to make it cheap or affordable for everyone.
There’s something really special about running fast with huge crowds cheering you on though so tune-in to find out how you can be a part of that excitement for a little less money.
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This week’s show brought to you by:
Personal Coaching
As your training kicks into full gear this spring, don’t underestimate the difference a personal coach can make when it comes to getting the results you deserve.
For newer runners, a personal coach is that expert who can answer every question you have (and even the ones you don’t know to ask) so you’re absolutely positive that each day you’re maximizing your training.
For experienced runners, you’ll finally have someone who knows and understands your strengths and weaknesses in-depth to help you squeeze that last 10% out of your training.
Personal coaching is more than just a training schedule.
Working one-on-one with a personal coach from RunnersConnect means you have someone analyzing both your short-term progress, but also helping you plan for long-term progression.
Plus, you get feedback and adjustments on all your runs and workouts so you know you’re making optimal progress.
But, what makes our coaches different?
First, we specialize in working with runners between 45 and 65, not elite athletes.
Plus, our custom platform allows us to dig into your training data to give you insights and advice you can’t get anywhere else.
To learn more and see some of the results runners like you were able to achieve, head to runnersconnect.net/personal.
Plus, you can get a free custom gait analysis through the end of January.
Again, that’s https://runnersconnect.net/personal
MAS Iron
Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.
Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance.
The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize.
In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed.
But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance.
By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market.
In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%.
Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.
For today’s show we’re welcoming back a voice that should be familiar to longtime listeners, assistant coach at Bowerman TC and former RC coach Alex Ostberg.
Alex is a seven-time All-American who holds PRs of 3:58 in the Mile, 7:49 in the 3k, and 13:18 in the 5k.
He’s back today to share training secrets from working with the fastest runners on the planet, including:
If you’re curious what it’s like to coach world-class runners and what you can learn from them, then you’ll really enjoy this conversation with Alex Ostberg.
Connect, Comment, Community
This week’s show brought to you by:
Previnex Greens
It’s not surprising that gut health is one of the primary issues we face as runners.
As any runner who hits the road or trail and constantly fears having to go to the bathroom can attest to, it’s not a fun issue to deal with.
That’s why we’ve recently switched from AG1 to Previnex Gut and Greens Superfoods.
Gut and Greens Superfoods are loaded with some of the most well-researched and science-supported gut and GI boosting ingredients, such as Solnul, and GutGuard.
Solnul is clinically studied, multi-function fiber that repairs gut lining to support optimal digestion and GI health.
GutGard is a clinically researched, flavonoid-rich, natural bioactive that supports reducing inflammatory markers, increasing gut integrity, and balancing the gut microbiome.
So if you’ve struggled with gut problems on the run, head to runnersconnect.net/greens to check out Gut and Greens Superfoods and see the difference for yourself.
To make it a no-brainer, you can use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order and they offer a 100% money back guarantee.
Today, we’re here to make your next marathon decision a little easier by breaking down the best and fastest marathons out there.
Let this episode be your marathon guide in 2025 with topics including:
There’s nothing like the feeling of running 42.2km with excited crowds cheering you on and then crossing the finish line to a new personal best.
Today, we’ll be your guides for finding your next marathon in 2025 or to give you some ideas for future races.
Find My Marathon search tool: https://findmymarathon.com/
Running the USA Race Finder: https://runningintheusa.com/
Connect, Comment, Community
This week’s show brought to you by:
Lagoon
Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery.
Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more.
And the data on sleep improvement isn’t only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.
If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top
Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that’s perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you’ll also save 15% off your purchase.
MAS Iron
Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.
Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance.
The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize.
In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed.
But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance.
By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market.
In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%.
Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.
If you get sick, your body probably needs rest but how do you know how much rest to take and when to get back to normal training?
This cold and flu season is the perfect time to prepare yourself since getting sick can be unavoidable.
In this episode of the show we’ll answer questions like:
A lot of runners will get sick at some point during the winter so make sure you know how to respond if you suddenly find yourself feeling under the weather.
Previous podcast about whether to run through sickness: https://runnersconnect.net/running-interviews/should-you-run-when-sick-when-not-to-run-and-how-to-modify-your-training/
Connect, Comment, Community
This week’s show brought to you by:
MAS Iron
Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.
Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance.
The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize.
In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed.
But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance.
By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market.
In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%.
Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.
The New Year is the perfect time to set nutrition goals. Eating well will give you more energy for workouts and help with recovery.
The nutrition team at Metpro is once again joining Run to the Top with topics like:
Healthy eating is super individualistic and will vary by person. That’s why it’s important to set goals that are specific and relevant to your lifestyle.
So if you want to run your best in 2025, it all starts with setting the right goals to fuel the hard workouts that get you there.
To learn more about MetPro:
Website: https://metpro.co/
Email: denniis@metpro.co
Instagram: @proco
This week’s show brought to you by:
Lagoon
Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery.
Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more.
And the data on sleep improvement isn’t only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.
If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top
Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that’s perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you’ll also save 15% off your purchase.
MetPro
Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.
Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.
MetPro’s coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they’re empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.
Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt
For Lena Andersson, running is about more than health and fitness. It’s a way to see the world that she’s sharing through her tour company Go! Running Tours.
Go! Running Tours is a global tour provider that connects traveling runners with like-minded locals who are passionate about sharing their culture.
During this conversation, Lena chats about the story behind this tour group including:
Running tours are a great way to see the world that’s better for the environment and local cities.
Go! Running Tours started with a dream of showing people around Copenhagen but you’ll hear how it transformed into a global agency with 50+ destinations. If you’re a lover of running or travel then you’re going to want to hear her story.
Go! Running Tours
Website: gorunningtours.com
(Use Code GRTxRunnersConnect10 for 10% off any running tour)
IG: @gorunningtours
Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/492052
Lena’s contact info:
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/11107411
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-runs-the-world/
This week’s show brought to you by:
Previnex Greens
It’s not surprising that gut health is one of the primary issues we face as runners.
As any runner who hits the road or trail and constantly fears having to go to the bathroom can attest to, it’s not a fun issue to deal with.
That’s why we’ve recently switched from AG1 to Previnex Gut and Greens Superfoods.
Gut and Greens Superfoods are loaded with some of the most well-researched and science-supported gut and GI boosting ingredients, such as Solnul, and GutGuard.
Solnul is clinically studied, multi-function fiber that repairs gut lining to support optimal digestion and GI health.
GutGard is a clinically researched, flavonoid-rich, natural bioactive that supports reducing inflammatory markers, increasing gut integrity, and balancing the gut microbiome.
So if you’ve struggled with gut problems on the run, head to runnersconnect.net/greens to check out Gut and Greens Superfoods and see the difference for yourself.
To make it a no-brainer, you can use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order and they offer a 100% money back guarantee.
MetPro
Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.
Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.
MetPro’s coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they’re empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.
Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt
This athlete spotlight features two incredible athletes who each recently won the Muleskinner 50 miler. The kicker though, is that these co-champions are a mother and son due!
Bethany and TJ are a true family of runners and you’re going to love hearing about their story including answers to questions including:
If you’re a longtime listener, you’ll know that the RC spotlight is all about celebrating the accomplishments of runners just like you who are doing incredible things. Bethany and TJ might not be pros, but they have a dedication and love for the sport that’s sure to inspire.
If you’re looking for a feel-good story with a happy ending you’ve come to the right place. Tune-in and hear how this family translated hard work and love for the sport to some amazing success on the trails.
This week’s show brought to you by:
Manukora Honey
Are you looking for a delicious way to spice up your pre-run snacks and make them healthier?
Then you need to try Manukora honey.
Not only is it hands-down the best honey I’ve ever tasted, Manukora Honey contains powerful nutrients to support immunity and gut health.
The bees collect the nectar from the Manuka tea tree in New Zealand. The nectar is packed with bioactives and the honey that is produced has 3 times more antioxidants and prebiotics than your average honey.
A special antibacterial compound called MGO also comes from the nectar of the tea tree.
Manukora third party tests every single harvest for MGO and makes these results available through their QR system.
It’s a game changer, and all you need is 1 heaped teaspoon each morning to get the most out of the amazing bioactives in Manuka.
I love it in the morning before my runs and I’ve found myself craving it as I wake up.
Now, it’s easier than ever to try Manukora Honey. Head to manukora.com/RTTT to get $25 off the Starter Kit, which comes with an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook!
LMNT
Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.
That’s why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.
Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.
To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.
