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    THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

    THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

    About

    The Running Effect tells the best stories in running—and turns them into insight, inspiration, and tools to help competitive runners become greater. Every week, host Dominic Schlueter sits down with the fastest, smartest, and most inspiring people in the sport—from Olympic medalists to breakthrough athletes—to unpack the stories, lessons, and mindset behind elite performance. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or looking to understand how greatness is built, The Running Effect will make you a deeper fan of the sport—and a better runner.

    Hosted By

    Dominic Schlueter

    Annie Kunz on Talent vs. Systems — How an Olympian Who "Wasn't the Most Talented" Built Her Edge Off the Track

    Annie Kunz on Talent vs. Systems — How an Olympian Who "Wasn't the Most Talented" Built Her Edge Off the Track

    February 18, 2026
    46m

    Athletes Mentioned

    Annie Kunz knows what it feels like when an Olympic dream doesn’t follow the script. 


    She’s a U.S. Olympic Trials champion in the heptathlon (6,703 points in 2021), a 2020 U.S. Indoor pentathlon champion, and one of the most uncommon dual-sport athletes you’ll ever meet: an All-American in track and field and an All-SEC forward in soccer at Texas A&M. But Annie’s story isn’t just about talent; it’s about the framework she built to unlock consistency at the highest level.


    In this conversation, Annie challenges the idea of surface-level New Year’s resolutions and introduces a more intentional way of thinking about progress. She touches on the behind-the-scenes habits and routines that shaped her career, without handing over a checklist.


    You’ll also hear reflections on balance, longevity, and the mental demands of the heptathlon, along with perspective on navigating setbacks and uncertainty at the most critical moments of a career.


    Annie shares how learning to better understand her body became a turning point, and why she’s now focused on helping other women build sustainable routines through coaching, challenges, and a newly evolving fitness platform designed for real life.


    From Olympic-level intensity to steak-as-a-love-language, this episode is thoughtful, reflective, and full of perspective worth sitting with.


    Tap into the Annie Kunz Special. 


    If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. 


    Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 


    If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!


    S H O W  N O T E S


    -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs


    -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run 


    -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ


    -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

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