While goal-setting can be an essential part of a training plan for runners, the ultimate goal for all of us is longevity in the sport – being able to do what we love, with joy, for as long as possible. Sustainability as a runner can take many forms, and each can contribute in a unique way to a long-lasting relationship with running.
As runners we’ve always been encouraged to set short- and long-term goals, as both a source of motivation and a path to follow through weeks, months and even years of training. But sometimes we get so focused on the minutiae of daily workouts that we forget to look at the big picture.
By focusing on the broader realm of running – whether that’s our long term health, the environment we run in, or the community we run with – we can often find greater satisfaction in the sport. Yes, your daily training runs are important, but you’re likely to find even more value in the sport you love by thinking about its broader impact.
While there are books on just about every aspect of training, few address the concept of runner community and sustainability. Fortunately, my guests on the podcast this week have changed that, writing a book that comprehensively examines these important topics.
Zoë Rom and Tina Muir on running for life
On this episode I have the dynamic duo of Tina Muir and Zoë Rom. Tina was formerly a professional runner for Great Britain and now hosts the Running for Real Podcast. Zoë is an elite ultra runner and Editor in Chief of Trail Runner Magazine. While each has been a guest on the podcast in the past, this is my first time having a discussion with them both!
Zoë and Tina bring a unique perspective to running that has been missing from the books on training and racing that currently exist. Our discussion focuses on what it means to be a sustainable runner, and the various ways you can integrate your personal running journey with the broader community and environment.
Topics we explore include:
- Zoe and Tina’s background and involvement in the running community
- How a shared love of composting helped lead to writing Becoming a Sustainable Runner
- Why doing more for “future us” vs. “present us” creates longevity in the sport
- How to put yourself in positions for a growth mindset
- The variety of ways you can find and create a running community
Zoe and Tina are insightful and engaging, and can help you find even greater meaning in your running. Enjoy our conversation!
Subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or Google Play.
Links & Resources from the Show:
- Learn more about becoming a sustainable runner, and buy the book!
- Follow Tina and Zoe on Instagram
- Listen to the Running for Real podcast
- Read more from Trail Runner Magazine
- Listen to previous podcast episodes with Zoe and with Tina
- Join our running community
Thank You Previnex!
We’re supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.
Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.
I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs. I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!
Thank you MOBO Board!
Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly!
Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength.
I was just at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.
