logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2023
1 h

306. Building Community, Solo vs. Group ...

Jason Fitzgerald
About this episode

This week’s guest on the podcast has the amazing ability to build community wherever he goes. On an average week, you may find him leading a group of 40 runners or training alongside past Olympians. Jonathan Levitt is a runner and host of the For the Long Run Podcast, and perhaps secretly, the (unofficial) mayor of Boulder, Colorado.

Jon moved to Boulder several years ago and is a huge presence in the running community. He thrives off the companionship of group runs, and often does at least 4 of his 6 runs each week with friends. Through trial and error Jon has learned how to manage the logistics of running with both faster and slower runners, while blending it seamlessly into his own training schedule.

Jon and I discuss the incredible running community of Boulder, along with:

  • How Jon finds joy in helping others feel like they belong
  • The unique aspects of Boulder’s running scene
  • What is the “soft hour” in Boulder and why it works so well
  • The ways Jon balances his training while joining other runners
  • How to build a running community in your hometown
  • The importance of emulating the mental models of other runners

Jon is thoughtful, fun, and full of insights on what makes a running community great. Enjoy!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You AG1!

We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

Thank you to our Performance Training Journal!

We’re also brought to you by our very own Performance Training Journal, which is now available on Amazon. Since I started running in 1998, I’ve kept a hardcopy training journal. Holding a tangible log, writing in it daily, and reflecting on the ups and downs of running is a surefire way to improve. 

This hardcopy training journal helps you focus on the training metrics that matter, prioritizes a long-term outlook so you don’t take any shortcuts, and maintains your motivation with strategic self-praise. With a no-frills, functional design, the Performance Training Journal includes coaching advice on racing, injury prevention, strength training, and more. It will guide you through race scheduling, how to plan your race morning, the best workouts for endurance runners, and encourage you to track your personal bests over time. 

You have the space to make this journal your own whether you're a new runner or a professional, a trail or road runner, or a mid-distance specialist or ultra marathoner.⁣ So don't just track your running, learn from it with the Performance Training Journal! Check it out today on Amazon.

Up next
Yesterday
Super Shoes & Form: How New Shoe Tech Alters Running Form with Chris Napier, PhD
Chris Napier is the author of Science of Running, a professor of physical therapy, practicing physiotherapist, 2:33 marathoner, and medal winner at the Canadian Track & Field Championships in 1996 and 1997. He is also a scientific advisor to Avelo, the world’s smartest running sh ... Show More
59m 23s
Oct 2
Cross-Training Masterclass: Coach Megan Flanagan on How to Add Other Sports to Your Running
Megan Flanagan is a former collegiate athlete and writer for Outside Magazine, a certified running coach and personal trainer, and a Spartan Elite podium athlete. She has a bachelor’s in Psychology & Nutrition, a master’s in Public Health, and has finished four 100-mile races. Me ... Show More
59m 30s
Sep 25
How to Build Fatigue Resistance with the Coach of Both UTMB Champs, Scott Johnston
Scott Johnston is one of the top coaches in the world, especially in mountain and high alpine sports. He's worked with Killian Jornet and recently coached both winners of the most prestigious trail race on Earth, UTMB (Tom Evans & Ruth Croft). He's also author of one of my favori ... Show More
1h 8m
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2024
How To Work Out Less And Get Fitter, The Secrets of Sustainable Fitness, What We Can All Learn From The World’s Best Athletes & Understanding The Stress Load of Exercise with Professor Stephen Seiler
Whether your fitness goal is completing an Ironman race, jogging a 5K, or simply tackling the stairs without getting out of breath, today’s guest has some surprising news on how you can get there quicker, by putting in less – yes, less – effort. World-renowned sports scientist Pr ... Show More
2h 20m
May 2024
2557: How To Make Running Suck Less by Lea Genders on Exercise Plans & Cardiovascular Training
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2557:Explore the transformative power of running with Lea Genders, as she shares her insights on making the experience more ... Show More
9m 52s
Feb 2024
#81: Strength Training for Runners with Kyle Long
Strength coach Kyle Long discuss a many strength topics, such as: When and how to perform the right strength training for runners, Strategies for consistency with strength training, Common mistakes with strength training that runners make, and much more... Want additional help in ... Show More
52m 45s
Nov 2021
1530: Distance Running - How Can I Run Longer and Farther by Josh Anderson of DIY Active on Running Tips
Josh Anderson of DIY Active teaches you how to run longer and fasterEpisode 1530: Distance Running - How Can I Run Longer and Farther by Josh Anderson of DIY Active on Running TipsDIY Active's mission is to help people stay fit and active no matter where they are and no matter wh ... Show More
14m 22s
Feb 2023
615. Run Your Way with Kaitlin Goodman and Meghann Featherstun
"I really believe that if you do a good job with the process, the outcome is gonna take care of itself. The time is gonna take care of itself." I'm running the Eugene Marathon on April 30. I've run six marathons, but my most recent one was nearly seven years ago. So, it's been a ... Show More
1h 14m
Dec 2018
Joe De Sena On How To Train Like A Spartan
It's more than a race; it's a lifestyle. In this interview, we hear from founder of the world’s best obstacle race, Joe de Sena. This innovative, one-of-a-kind adventure race is more than a test of physical ability - a Spartan race represents the discipline, commitment and self-a ... Show More
38m 53s
Mar 2024
Transforming Your Health Through Simple Exercises, Blood Sugar Regulation, Intermittent Fasting, and Consistency with personal trainer, Grow with Jo (Johanna Devries)
Today we have Johanna Devries with us, also known as grow with jo. She is a personal trainer that has an incredible transformation story of her own. She started sharing the workouts that helped her lose 50lbs doing workouts in her living room which helps her grow a community of o ... Show More
54m 18s
Oct 2023
#75: Massive Running Improvements, 5:00 to 3:47 Marathon, with Todd Marentette
Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to https://drinklmnt.com/flo to get your free sample pack with any purchase. Todd Marentette is a 46-year-old athlete from Ontario, Canada. He went from around 250 lbs/113kg, to finishing 12 marathons. We discuss low heart rate train ... Show More
1h 8m
Jan 2024
Adam Ondra: Finger Training, Climbing Fast, Projecting Tips, Free Soloing, and Historical Downgrades
Elite climber Adam Ondra shares his struggles and breakthroughs in Training, Nutrition, Tactics, and Mental Game - Adam has 18 World Cup Gold medals,, is one of the best boulderers in the world with four V16 or 8C+ and 17 8C or V15 to his name. On sport, Adam has flashed up to 9a ... Show More
1h 26m
Oct 2019
#573: Endurance sport, where next?
#004. Endurance sport, where next? Endurance coaches Tom Walker and Rob Jones welcome you to The Run Strong Podcast. A show to discuss topics to educate and inspire runners. From couch-to-5k'rs, triathletes, up to multi-stage ultra runners this podcast will interest you. Each top ... Show More
41m 38s