“I felt there was a big gap that could be filled with good, science-based, evidence-based information,” says Rick Prince, founder of the United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy. In this episode, Rick joins Brad Miles to explore the void he noticed in endurance sports education, which inspired him to create UESCA in 2014. For Rick, staying current with evidence-based information is so crucial because it’s what ensures that coaches are providing athletes with the most effective and safe training methods, ultimately leading to better performance and injury prevention.

Rick shares insights into the advancements in endurance sports science, particularly in female physiology and training technologies. He clears up common misconceptions, such as the myth that running damages your knees and the misunderstood role of lactic acid in muscle fatigue.

Rick further explains UESCA’s certification programs, which are designed to be thorough and adaptable to fit each learner’s pace. He highlights the significant contributions of experts like Dr. Matt Hansen and athletes like Mel Rojas in shaping UESCA’s curriculum. He also gives a sneak peek into what’s next, including a strength and conditioning certification for endurance athletes and a newly launched course on physiological adaptations to endurance exercise.

Tune in to this episode of Run Fast, Run Forever Presented by Lever Movement to boost your coaching skills and discover the importance of science-based training and ongoing education in the ever-evolving world of endurance sports.

Quotes

• “A lot of the programs that were out there, they would come up with something and wouldn’t update it at all. So, it was just really antiquated information that you were getting. One of the things we make an effort to do is update the information as new information comes out.” (03:15 | Rick Prince)

• “There are all these long-standing myths out there. I think one of the biggest ones that always gets attention is that endurance exercise is bad for you.” (06:24 | Rick Prince)

• “What we’re trying to do is say, ‘Hey, it’s all about education. It’s all about the experience. It’s all about those elements versus whether you’re a top performer.’” (11:19 | Rick Prince)

• “For us, it’s going to stay more focused on what we’re doing purely from an educational standpoint. We are currently working on a strength and conditioning certification, which we believe will be in high demand. We’re certainly receiving quite a few requests for it, and there’s never been anything specifically for strength and conditioning for endurance athletes.” (13:55 | Rick Prince)

• “A lot of this came from my, for lack of a better word, hatred of the personal training industry, where everything seemed like a money grab. I approached it from the standpoint of, if I were a coach or an aspiring coach, what would I want? I would always want a reference point. For example, if we update our certifications, you don’t pay for the update or for any additional content because I don’t think that’s how it should be.” (17:15 | Rick Prince)

Links

Connect with Rick Prince:

https://enduranceconference.uesca.com/

Keywords: Use RUN75 for $75 off the Conference price

https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/

https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

In this episode, we dive deep into the revolutionary LEVER x CIM Training Program designed to take your marathon preparation to the next level. Join us as we chat with Mary Johnson, founder of Lift Run Perform, and Stephanie Flippen, seasoned coach and LEVER advocate, about how this unique program can help runners of all levels achieve their personal bests. Learn how the LEVER system allows you to increase mileage, prevent injuries, and enhance performance, whether you're recovering from an injury or in peak condition. We’ll also discuss who this program is best suited for and how it’s tailored to help you run faster, stronger, and smarter. Tune in to discover how incorporating body weight-supported running into your routine can transform your marathon training experience!

Perfect for anyone gearing up for the California International Marathon (CIM) or looking to elevate their running game. Don't miss this chance to learn from the experts and get inspired to make your marathon season the best one yet!

Links

Connect with Mary Johnson:

https://www.instagram.com/itsamarython/

Sign Up for CIM Program:

LEVER x CIM Program

Follow us:

https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/

https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/

https://levermovement.com/

In this episode of the Lever Movement Podcast, host Brad Miles sits down with professional triathlete Matt Hanson to explore the highs and lows of his 2024 season. Matt, who has been racing professionally since 2014, shares his journey from being an exercise science professor to becoming one of the top triathletes in the world.

Despite facing significant challenges this year, including a ruptured cyst in his knee, Matt remains focused on achieving his goals. He opens up about how he adapted his training using the LEVER system to maintain peak performance while managing his injury.

“It's really hard to sum up my training methodology in a sentence or two because, basically, my job as a coach is to treat everybody as an individual,” Matt explains, highlighting his commitment to personalized coaching.

Matt also discusses the mental and physical demands of balancing a professional triathlon career with his coaching business, saying, “When you're coaching, you have to be the example you want your athletes to follow. There’s a lot of accountability that comes with that.”

Join us as Matt reveals his strategies for overcoming adversity, the importance of smart training, and how he's preparing for the Ironman World Championship in Kona. Whether you're an aspiring triathlete or a seasoned competitor, Matt’s insights offer valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the science behind success.

Links

Connect with Matt Hanson:

https://www.instagram.com/matthansontri/

https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/

https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/

https://levermovement.com/

“I had a small tear in my Achilles and sometimes it can be hard to stay motivated,” shares Willy Fink, Under Armour runner on the Baltimore distance team. In this episode, he talks with Brad Miles about his running career, highlighting his comeback from injury and performance at the US Olympic Trials.

Willy recalls his early running days and his progression from high school mile races to college steeplechase and 5k events. After graduating in 2017, he balanced work and training until securing a contract with Under Armour.

Following an Achilles injury in March, Willy underwent physical therapy and used the Lever system to recover, gradually increasing his training. By May, he was back racing, winning a mile and a 1500m race in Nashville, and eventually making the finals in the 5k at the US Olympic Trials.

Join Willy and Brad in this episode of Run Fast, Run Forever Presented by Lever Movement as they explore the importance of patience, a strong support system, and the strategies that helped Willy stay motivated through setbacks. Learn how to turn setbacks into comebacks and find inspiration in Willy’s story of resilience and determination.

Quotes

• “One of the things I have to keep learning over and over again is patience. It takes a long time to improve upon where you’re at; fitness doesn’t come overnight. That’s something I have to keep in the back of my mind pretty consistently, especially because I race a lot.” (14:43 | Willy Fink)

• “Sometimes if you have a bad race, you just have to tell yourself it’s okay. There will be other opportunities, and you shouldn’t put too much stock in every single race you run. It takes a lot of patience and self-control to enforce that in your mind. I feel like that’s been one of the biggest things for me.” (15:14 | Willy Fink)

• “The goal was to run as well as possible at the Olympic trials, make the final in the 5k, and go from there. In March, dealing with a small tear in my Achilles required a lot of patience and inspiration from my teammates to push through and get healthy. It was crucial to wait for my injury to heal without pushing too hard, then start training again, focusing on not jumping back in too quickly and having the patience to be truly ready.” (17:09 | Willy Fink)

• “As I started getting back into running, I began using the lever a lot. With an Achilles issue, putting too much weight on it can really mess things up, especially since running puts a lot of strain on your calf. Lowering the impact and weight on my Achilles was really helpful for running pain-free and gradually building up my mileage again.” (21:03 | Willy Fink)

Links

Connect with Willy Fink:

https://www.instagram.com/eaglewilly22/

https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/

https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Lewis, a remarkable athlete whose journey from Baylor track star to professional triathlete is nothing short of inspiring. Danielle opens up about her experiences, including the highs and lows of her athletic career, from overcoming illness and injury to achieving incredible success in triathlon.

Listen as Danielle shares her strategies for recovery, the importance of mental resilience, and how she balances training with a busy schedule. Hear about her recent races, including her standout performances at Roth and Lake Placid, and the unique challenges and triumphs she faced along the way.

Join us for an engaging and motivational conversation with Danielle Lewis, where we explore the mindset and determination required to pivot through life's challenges and emerge stronger. Whether you're an athlete, a sports enthusiast, or someone looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Danielle's story of resilience, recovery, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

"I realized, you know, I can do whatever I want to do if I just set my mind to do it."

Links

Connect with Danielle Lewis:

https://www.instagram.com/danilewistri/

https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/

https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/

https://levermovement.com/

“You have to look at everything from the ground up to see if an area needs to be strengthened or mobilized,” says Dr. Josh Sanchez, a sports chiropractor and strength and conditioning specialist, as he breaks down the complexities of anterior knee pain. He emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive assessment, considering factors like muscle strength, IT band syndrome, and overall mechanics.

In this episode, Dr. Sanchez joins Brad Miles to discuss running injuries, rehabilitation, and the critical role of strength training for runners. He shares insights from his experience with the Bowerman Track Club Elite and his personal battles with quadricep tendonitis and a fibular stress fracture.

Dr. Sanchez emphasizes the need for balanced muscle strength, particularly between the quadriceps and hamstrings, to prevent common running injuries. He offers practical advice on exercises like single-leg Romanian deadlifts and Nordic hamstring curls to target these muscles effectively.

This episode underscores the value of a gradual reintroduction to running and a holistic approach to injury prevention and recovery. Dr. Sanchez talks about using the Lever to gradually reintroduce running and focusing on volume over intensity to avoid re-injury. His story highlights the importance of strength training and a comprehensive approach to injury prevention and recovery for runners.

Quotes

• “If your hamstring is weak, if you think about it, you’re going to be way out in front. And so that means your arc, the amount of time and amount of tension and load that tendon and muscle complex take is going to be longer and experience potentially more force. So, you’re more likely to have anterior shin splints with having weak hamstrings is what I see a lot in clinical practice.” (19:05 | Dr. Josh Sanchez)

• “There’s a lot of influencers that post: ‘Here’s an exercise for this kind of thing,’ but you have to look at everything from the ground up to see like, does this area need to be strengthened or does this area need to be mobilized? And even if a patient or athlete has anterior knee pain doesn’t necessarily mean that they have weak hamstrings or quadriceps. They could have a strong hamstring quadricep ratio, but they could still have knee pain. We’ve just got to figure out where it’s coming from.” (23:03 | Dr. Josh Sanchez)

• “Find someone who works with runners or whatever sport you’re in and really break down your mechanics. It’s not just about the quads and hamstrings; it could be other things too. Someone can show you how to do exercises like Nordics or RDLs because you need to have stability before you can actually load up the area. If you’re all over the place and can’t concentrate that force, you won’t be effective. That’s why machines are helpful to start with.” (36:11 | Dr. Josh Sanchez)

Links

Connect with Josh Sanchez:

https://www.instagram.com/jsanchdc/

https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/

https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Sarah Svensk’s transition from doctor to triathlete illustrates her remarkable resilience and adaptability, overcoming substantial challenges to excel in a completely new field. Starting her triathlon journey in 2015 in Germany, Sarah quickly turned professional despite having no traditional background in endurance sports.

In this episode, Sarah discusses overcoming recurring injuries, notably stress fractures, and how adjusting her training and recovery strategies was crucial. She highlights her record-setting performances at Ironman Barcelona and Ironman Cozumel, emphasizing the role of rigorous training, expert coaching, and the Lever Movement system in maintaining her competitive edge and managing her recovery.

Sarah shares her ambitions for the upcoming season, including competing pain-free and aiming for the World Championships. She offers insights into managing bone stress injuries and balancing training with recovery, providing valuable advice for athletes facing similar setbacks.

Quotes

• “There was an overlap when I was trying to balance working 50% and being a triathlete, but it was hard. It’s easy to get the training in, but to get the recovery and all the other necessary stuff, it’s very hard to balance with a day job, actually.” (02:05 | Sara Svensk)

• “In the beginning, you get devastated when you get an injury. In triathlon, there are so many other things you can do. If you have these bone reactions, then you can usually swim and usually bike, so you can develop that side of the sport. But then mentally, it’s super hard and you lose the trust in your body… It’s just like regaining the trust in the body again. But then I’m also surprised because I always heal. The body’s amazing.” (16:03 | Sara Svensk)

• “For the Mallorca race now, I didn't have the biggest build for the run. I think the longest run I did was 12k, but I had the lever. And I think that was a game changer for me, because then I could add on some mileage. First and foremost, I could start the run build a lot more secure and with lower impact. And then I could add some mileage and actually a little bit of speed.” (26:13 | Sara Svensk)

• “The best thing is that almost all the stress fractures heal. And I think just stay calm in that. Take time off. Don’t stress about it. It will heal. Just give it time.” (39:45 | Sara Svensk)

Links

Connect with Sara Svensk:

https://www.instagram.com/svensksara/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/

https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“I just fell in love with being able to work with athletes that are pursuing their goals and dreams,” says Lara Rogers, coach of the Under Armour Mission Run women’s team. In this episode, Lara shares her journey from coaching at the University of Cincinnati and Shippensburg University to her influential role at Under Armour.

Lara discusses the importance of trust and strong relationships in fostering athletic growth, reflecting on the team’s evolution from two to five athletes. She highlights recent achievements, including Ellie Leather’s personal best in the 3K and Lauren Ryan’s national record for Australia in the 5K. She attributes these achievements to the athletes’ relentless dedication and a nurturing team dynamic.

Listeners gain insights into transitioning from collegiate to professional coaching, with a focus on 5K training and the absence of a cross-country season for professionals. Lara explains how they integrate tools like the Lever Movement System, which alleviates physical stress while preserving training intensity. This episode emphasizes the significance of consistency, health, and mutual support within a high-performance sports environment, offering a compelling look at the complexities of coaching a top-tier women’s running team.

Quotes

• “The biggest part for me is just the reward that you get from seeing athletes achieve the best out of themselves or get the best out of themselves. And that’s why I do it. And it’s something I don’t think I’ll ever want to stop doing.” (03:37 | Lara Rogers)

• “At the end of the day, it’s just hard work over a long period of time and consistency that’s kind of leading to those breakthroughs that everybody’s seeing.” (09:25 | Lara Rogers)

• “We have athletes on the lever and Ellie Leather specifically uses that every week for doubles for recovery runs, making sure that we’re taking a little bit of weight off but we’re still getting in the volume. And I think that’s also been super crucial for her and staying healthy. She is one of the athletes that’s taken some of the biggest steps this year. I attribute that a lot to being able to train and stay healthy and that consistency piece is key.” (13:19 | Lara Rogers)

• “I think a big staple for any 5K runner is doing stuff at race pace.” (22:30 | Lara Rogers)

Links

Connect with Lara Rogers:

https://www.instagram.com/laralu12/

https://www.instagram.com/missionrun_baltdistance/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/

https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm