The narrative presented herein revolves around the remarkable journey of George Aronholt, a 76-year-old runner who, despite facing considerable health challenges, exemplifies the vitality and resilience associated with running well into one's later years. Dr. Leo Kormanik hosts the show. It is imperative to underscore that engaging in running, even at an advanced age, is not only permissible but also advantageous for physical and mental well-being. Throughout our dialogue, George shares his personal experiences, including his encounters with various health setbacks such as open-heart surgery and cancer, yet he remains steadfast in his commitment to the sport. The essence of this episode is to illuminate the notion that age should not serve as a deterrent to pursuing one's passions, particularly in athletics. We aspire to inspire our listeners to embrace movement as a fundamental aspect of their lives, regardless of age, thereby promoting longevity and health through active engagement.

The podcast episode presents an enlightening discussion with George Aronholt, a 76-year-old runner who epitomizes the resilience and tenacity required to maintain an active lifestyle despite facing numerous health challenges. George's narrative serves as an inspiration, highlighting that age should not be a deterrent to pursuing physical fitness. His journey commenced in the 1970s, where he recounts a less structured approach to running, characterized by a lack of formal training and a casual attitude towards health. His transformation into a dedicated runner, culminating in marathon participation, underscores the evolutionary nature of his relationship with running.

Throughout the conversation, George candidly shares his experiences with significant health issues, including open-heart surgery and a battle with cancer. These experiences have shaped his understanding of health and fitness, reinforcing his belief that movement is essential for both physical and mental well-being. He articulates the necessity of adapting one's approach to running as one ages, advocating for a focus on flexibility, strength, and the joy of movement rather than competition. This perspective fosters a mindset that encourages individuals to remain active and engaged with their bodies, regardless of age-related limitations.

The episode culminates in a poignant message about the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle. George's insights extend beyond running, offering practical advice on how to embrace movement in daily life. He emphasizes that regardless of one’s age, the pursuit of fitness can lead to significant improvements in health and happiness. Ultimately, George's story serves as a powerful reminder that the journey of running is not merely about crossing finish lines but instead about the personal growth and fulfillment derived from engaging with one’s physical capabilities, thereby challenging the preconceived notions of aging and activity.

Takeaways:

• Running well into one's 70s is not only acceptable but can also be a healthy and enriching pursuit.
• Maintaining an active lifestyle, even after health setbacks, can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being and quality of life.
• The mindset of setting goals and continually challenging oneself remains crucial, regardless of age or physical limitations.
• Regular movement, whether through running or walking, is essential for maintaining flexibility, strength, and overall health as we age.

Creatine, a compound initially identified in the early 20th century, has garnered significant attention in recent years for its multifaceted benefits beyond its historical association with bodybuilding and strength training. In this episode of the Mind Body Marathon, I, Dr. Leo Kormanik, alongside my esteemed colleague Dr. Jared Bugaj, delve into the intricate science behind creatine supplementation and its implications for both athletic performance and cognitive health. We elucidate the extensive body of research that supports creatine's safety and efficacy, particularly highlighting its potential benefits for neurodegenerative conditions and athletic recovery. Our discourse also addresses prevalent misconceptions surrounding creatine use, including its effects on renal health and hydration. Ultimately, our conversation aims to provide listeners with a robust understanding of how creatine can be judiciously integrated into various health and fitness regimens.

The discourse surrounding creatine, an ergogenic aid traditionally associated with muscle hypertrophy, has evolved significantly since its initial isolation in the early 19th century. Dr. Leo Kormanik and Dr. Jared Bugaj delve into the multifaceted applications of creatine beyond mere muscle enhancement, exploring its neuroprotective benefits, particularly in aging populations and individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. The conversation elucidates the historical context of creatine's adoption in the fitness community, tracing its ascendance from a niche supplement to a widely researched compound integral to both muscle recovery and cognitive function. Notably, the discussion reveals that creatine supplementation may confer advantages not only to strength athletes but also to endurance athletes, challenging prevailing assumptions regarding its utility.

The episode further scrutinizes common misconceptions surrounding creatine, such as its purported link to renal impairment and water retention. The hosts articulate that while creatine is synthesized endogenously, supplementation can be beneficial, especially for those adhering to vegetarian or vegan diets, who may not obtain sufficient amounts through dietary sources. The narrative addresses dosage considerations, advocating for a tailored approach that balances daily intake with individual physiological responses. The safety profile of creatine is thoroughly examined, reassured by an extensive body of research affirming its efficacy and minimal side effects when used appropriately.

In concluding the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of informed supplementation and the necessity for individuals to approach creatine as a viable option for enhancing not only physical performance but also cognitive resilience in various demographic groups. The conversation serves as a critical resource for both practitioners and laypersons seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of dietary supplements, underscoring the transformative potential of creatine in modern health and fitness paradigms.

Takeaways:

• Creatine has been utilized primarily in the bodybuilding community, but recent research indicates its benefits extend to endurance athletes and cognitive function.
• The safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation have been extensively researched, making it one of the most studied ergogenic aids.
• Supplementing with creatine can enhance energy production, particularly during muscular contractions and in cognitive tasks requiring high energy.
• Creatine supplementation may not only assist in physical performance but also support recovery in individuals with neurological conditions such as PTSD and depression.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Faster Without Fail

Marc Sylvester, a distinguished 800m runner from Ohio, continues to share his remarkable journey in this episode, delving into the intricacies of his athletic career and the challenges he faced along the way. As he recounts his formative years at the University of Tennessee, he elucidates the duality of achievement and personal struggle, illustrating how external pressures and internal conflicts shaped his trajectory. Sylvester reflects on the significance of mentorship and camaraderie in the realm of competitive running, emphasizing the pivotal role of supportive teammates and coaches in navigating the complexities of elite athletics. Furthermore, we explore the transformative power of self-reflection and journaling, as he advocates for young athletes to document their experiences to foster growth and resilience. Ultimately, this episode encapsulates the essence of perseverance and the continuous pursuit of one's identity beyond the confines of sport.

The conversation with Marc Sylvester, a distinguished 800m runner from Ohio, unfolds with profound insights into the multifaceted aspects of his athletic journey and personal evolution. Marc reflects on his formative years competing at the University of Tennessee, where he faced both triumphs and tribulations that shaped his athletic identity. The discussion delves into the nuances of pressure and expectation that accompany elite-level competition, particularly in high-stakes events such as the SEC championships, and how these experiences forged resilience in the face of adversity. As Marc recounts his encounters with legendary figures in the sport, he articulates the importance of mentorship and the role of camaraderie among athletes, underscoring how these relationships fostered a supportive environment amidst the rigors of training and competition.

Moreover, the narrative dives into Marc's internal struggles, particularly concerning the balance between his athletic ambitions and personal life. He candidly shares the consequences of a lifestyle punctuated by partying and distractions that ultimately detracted from his performance potential. As the dialogue unfolds, it becomes evident that the journey of an athlete is not merely defined by medals and records but also by the battles fought off the track. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of self-awareness and growth, as Marc emphasizes the lessons learned from his missteps and the transformative power of reflection and journaling.

Ultimately, the conversation culminates in an inspiring message for aspiring athletes: the importance of perseverance and the understanding that success is a continuous journey shaped by both victories and setbacks. Marc's story embodies the essence of resilience, providing listeners with valuable takeaways about navigating the complexities of competitive sports and life itself.

Takeaways:

• Marc Sylvester reflects on the transformative experience of running at the University of Tennessee, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance and support from teammates and coaches.
• The episode explores the interplay between athletic success and personal struggles, illustrating how external pressures can impact mental health and performance.
• Sylvester shares insights on the necessity of maintaining a balanced perspective on competition, urging young athletes to focus on personal growth rather than solely on times and accolades.
• A significant theme is the value of self-reflection through journaling, which Marc advocates as a tool for personal development and emotional processing in the life of an athlete.
• The conversation highlights the unpredictable nature of a sports career, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges and setbacks.
• Marc's journey underscores the importance of identity beyond athletics, encouraging listeners to explore who they are outside of...

Marc Sylvester, a paragon of Ohio high school track and field, etched his name into the annals of athletic excellence by establishing an unprecedented 800-meter record in 2001. In this discourse, we, Dr. Leo Kormanik and Zach Goulet, delve into the profound influence Marc had on our formative years as runners, serving as an idol and a source of inspiration. Our conversation traverses the intricacies of Marc's illustrious journey, exploring his experiences during the late 1990s and early 2000s, a period that witnessed his remarkable feats on the track. We also reflect on the evolution of competitive running, marked by the shift in training methodologies and the burgeoning camaraderie among athletes. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of an athlete who not only revolutionized the 800-meter race but also left an indelible mark on the community of runners that followed in his footsteps.

In a compelling discourse, the episode features Marc Sylvester, whose legacy in Ohio's track and field history is cemented by his extraordinary 800m record established in 2001. The dialogue, led by Dr. Leo Kormanik and Zach Goulet, who both idolized Sylvester during their own athletic careers, offers listeners a glimpse into the life of a high school legend. The conversation traverses Sylvester's initial foray into running, marked by a laid-back approach to training, juxtaposed with a fierce competitive drive that ultimately propelled him to greatness. Sylvester shares anecdotes about his formative years, the dynamics of his high school team, and the evolution of his training strategies. The hosts engage Sylvester in discussions about the pressures of competition, the significance of mentorship, and the ever-evolving landscape of track and field. This rich narrative not only celebrates Sylvester's achievements but also serves as a testament to the values of perseverance and passion that define the sport.

Takeaways:

• Marc Sylvester's record-breaking 800m run in 2001 remains a significant milestone in Ohio high school track history.
• The camaraderie among runners during the late 90s and early 2000s fostered a competitive yet supportive environment.
• The discussion highlights the evolution of training strategies from the 90s to the present, showcasing advancements in preparation.
• Marc's transition from a high school athlete to a college competitor illustrates the challenges faced by young athletes.
• The importance of mentorship in athletics was emphasized through the influence of coaches on Marc's development as a runner.
• Both hosts expressed their admiration for Marc Sylvester, reflecting on how he shaped their own running careers.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• CEP
• Asics
• Adidas

In this lively episode of the MindBodyMarathon podcast, the crew—Dr. Matt, Zach Goulet, and guest JT Olson—dive into JT's ambitious plan to hike the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), a rugged 3,100-mile trek from Mexico to Canada through the Rocky Mountains. With no prior thru-hiking experience but a long-standing love for backpacking rooted in his Colorado childhood, JT shares how his passion for the outdoors and a need to reset from the intensity of 12 years in teaching and coaching led to this life-shifting decision. The conversation explores the physical and logistical challenges of the CDT, the trail's daunting remoteness and elevation, and JT's mindset as he prepares for stretches of up to nine days without resupply. Most powerfully, he reflects on the emotional and spiritual reasons behind the journey—stepping away to prevent burnout and realign with his core values, acknowledging that even the most meaningful passions require space to breathe.

The speaker reflects on the motivation behind embarking on the ambitious journey of thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), highlighting it as a deeply personal and spiritual challenge rooted in a lifelong love for the West and the outdoors. The journey represents both a physical test—averaging 30 miles a day for 100 days—and an internal reckoning, a chance to rekindle spiritual practices and rediscover personal grit once forged through collegiate athletics and now revisited in solitude. The CDT’s obscurity compared to the more famous AT and PCT appeals to the speaker’s desire for less-trodden paths and deeper experiences, away from the crowds. Starting in the New Mexico desert and heading north toward Glacier National Park, the trip will demand resilience, especially through water-scarce stretches and high-altitude terrain. Supported by close friends and family, including a send-off from Colorado and a planned meetup in the Colorado Rockies, the endeavor is both a tribute to past adventures and a bold new chapter, with plans to document the experience through journaling and social media for connection and safety.

The speaker discusses the planning and mental approach for an upcoming long-distance hike, likely the Continental Divide Trail, highlighting Colorado as the most physically challenging segment due to its high elevation and summer thunderstorms, which will require early starts and strategic bailout options. They express excitement about exploring the southern Colorado mountains, revisiting the scenic Wind River Range in Wyoming, and finally experiencing Glacier National Park for the first time. The conversation also touches on a recent injury scare involving the right foot that temporarily altered the speaker’s outlook—shifting their mindset from assuming perfection to accepting that pain and setbacks are part of the journey. After seeking treatment and reassurance from their clinician, they feel optimistic and prepared, making gear adjustments like switching to wider trail shoes. Their strategy includes gradually testing pack weight and dialing in high-calorie, fat-dense, no-cook foods to meet the demands of the hike. Ultimately, the experience reflects themes of resilience, self-care, and applying coaching wisdom to oneself.

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, the speaker reflects on the emotional and physical preparations for an upcoming thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail. He discusses anticipated changes to his body, gear choices, and trail strategies, including leveraging cold water in Colorado for recovery and keeping pack weight light with ultra-light equipment. He shares logistical plans like possibly staying in a hotel with his parents near Breckenridge and pushing mileage during easier trail sections. There’s also a deeper reflection on his decision to step away from coaching after twelve fulfilling years, emphasizing that his departure is rooted in love and a desire to avoid burnout. Grateful for the...

In this informal and energetic episode of the MindBodyMarathon podcast, Dr. Leo Kormanik and Zach Goulet announce the launch of their new running coaching service, Faster Without Fail, inspired by Leo’s book of the same name. The show is hosted by Samua Kormanik, Dr. Leo's wife. The coaching program combines years of experience in exercise physiology, chiropractic care, injury rehab, and elite-level training. Leo shares his journey from exercise physiology and internships at the Olympic Training Centers in Chula Vista and Colorado Springs to becoming a sports chiropractor, drawing on a unique blend of research, clinical, and athletic experience. Zach discusses his path through competitive running, coaching education, and injury recovery, along with his work as a massage therapist in collegiate settings. Together, they emphasize their deep empathy for injured or frustrated runners, aiming to provide a tailored, science-backed, and motivational coaching approach for athletes of all levels—especially those who’ve struggled with injuries or lost their love for running.

The speakers reflect on their personal journeys with running—navigating burnout, injury, and life transitions like chiropractic and massage school—highlighting how those experiences have shaped their coaching philosophy. Initially coming from a high-performance, Division I athlete mindset, they had to shift toward helping a wider range of runners, from high school athletes to weekend warriors. That shift deepened after treating an athlete at the 2021 Olympic Trials, which reignited a passion not just for personal performance, but for helping others succeed. They emphasize that their broad experience—from elite to everyday movement challenges—makes them uniquely relatable and empathetic coaches. They stress that their services, though backed by expertise working with elite athletes, are designed for all levels and are grounded in individualized care. Their coaching program includes customized training plans, gait and form analysis, strength programming, and physiological testing when needed. The pricing is straightforward at $200/month with a 3-month commitment, designed to offer a comprehensive and scalable approach whether a runner is aiming for their first 5K or a marathon PR.

The core message of this conversation centers around redefining what effective training and success in running truly look like. Rather than obsessing over high mileage or rigid training plans, the speakers highlight the power of personalized, sustainable training built around life constraints and personal wellness. With examples like running sub-3-hour marathons on just 20 miles per week, they emphasize that quality, consistency, and lifestyle factors like sleep, nutrition, and stress management play a significant role in performance. They aim to empower runners—whether elite or busy professionals—with a smart, balanced approach to training that values longevity, joy, and whole-life improvement just as much as race outcomes.

Additionally, they discuss the broader mission behind their coaching platform, Faster Without Fail, and the Run Little Run Club, which caters to time-crunched runners who still want to perform well. Their coaching philosophy stems from lived experience and is rooted in human connection, empathy, and authenticity. They welcome clients who are motivated to make meaningful lifestyle changes and approach running as a gateway to personal growth. Social media is not their focus—instead, they value deeper, face-to-face or virtual conversations that allow them to truly understand and support the individuals they coach. Ultimately, they view running as a vehicle for becoming a better version of oneself—on and off the course.

@samuakormanik @zmglmt @drleokormanik @fasterwithoutfail

www.FasterWithoutFail.com

#RunningCoach

#FasterWithoutFail

#RunLittleRunClub

#RunSmart...

This podcast episode features a profound discussion with professional runners Katie Camarena (@katieecamarena) and Anthony Camerieri (@anthony_camerieri), who share their recent experiences at the USA 5K Championships. The hosts are Dr. Leo Kormanik (@drleokormanik) and Zach Goulet (@zmglmt). The primary focus revolves around their insights on training methodologies, race strategies, and the intricacies of competitive running. Notably, Katie recounts her remarkable performance, securing a sixth-place finish, and discusses the significance of tactical decisions during the race, particularly regarding running the tangents effectively. Additionally, both guests reflect upon their training environments, contrasting the benefits of training in Boulder, Colorado, with their experiences in Flagstaff, Arizona. Through their candid reflections, listeners gain invaluable perspectives on the mental and physical demands of elite running, as well as the evolving landscape of professional athletics.

Takeaways:

• In the podcast episode, we delved into the experiences of professional runners Anthony Camerieri and Katie Camarena, who recently participated in the USA 5K championships.
• Both athletes shared insights about their training regimens, emphasizing the importance of strategic pacing and running tangents during competitive races.
• The discussion highlighted the mental challenges that athletes face, including imposter syndrome when transitioning from collegiate to professional racing.
• Listeners gained valuable knowledge about the significance of elevation training locations, with Boulder and Flagstaff being popular among elite runners for their unique advantages.

podcast, running podcast, professional runners, USA 5k champs, race strategy, training tips, running tangents, Boulder Colorado, Flagstaff training, athlete interviews, track racing, race experiences, collegiate running, injury prevention, fitness advice, running performance, competitive running, mindset in racing, running culture, sports podcast

This podcast episode presents a compelling compilation of some of the most impactful discussions from the past year, emphasizing the intricate relationship between physical training, mental fortitude, and holistic well-being. We commence with an exploration of Arlen Glick's formidable journey through injury and recovery in preparation for the Cocodona 250, highlighting the resilience inherent in endurance sports. Subsequently, we delve into critical insights regarding running form, as articulated by myself, which underscores the significance of technique in enhancing performance and minimizing injury risk. The episode further traverses my enlightening conversation with Matt Heberling in Valencia, Spain, where we dissect the physiological aspects of running. In addition, we feature discussions on meditation and mindset with Frank Aleshi, as well as the implications of modern agricultural practices with Steve Paris and Jared Bagage, culminating in a reflective dialogue with my stepdaughter, Naomi Cherry, who brings a unique perspective to our overarching themes.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we discuss the profound impact of technology on modern society today.
• We explore the intricate relationship between innovation and ethical considerations in development.
• The conversation highlights the importance of critical thinking in navigating complex technological landscapes.
• We emphasize the necessity of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to drive meaningful advancements forward.
• The episode underscores the significance of adaptability in an ever-evolving technological context.
• We reflect on the role of education in preparing future generations for the challenges ahead.