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

“If I think about the biggest impact anything’s had on my life, running has probably had the largest impact,” says Thomas Neuberger, the founder of Believe in the Run. Thomas reflects on his initial experiences in running and how a personal blog documenting his TransRockies race training evolved into a leading voice in running gear reviews.

Thomas shares the importance of community in running, highlighting how he started the Faster Bastards—a running club that fosters camaraderie through events and shakeout runs.

Tune in to gain insights into the continuous innovation in running footwear, including a recent trip to Adidas Headquarters. Learn about Thomas’s top running shoe picks for training and racing, and discover how he utilizes the Lever Movement system for injury recovery.

Quotes

• “When the website started up for TransRockies, I started getting inquiries and people were asking, ‘what gear are you wearing? What are you doing? You’re doing a lot of mileage to gear up for this challenge, what type of gear are you using?’ So I started talking about it. And as I started talking about it, people cared less about what training I was doing and more about the gear I was wearing. So I learned really quickly, like, ‘Oh, if I want attention, talk about the gear.’ And so it quickly became a very gear-centric place to be.” (10:44 | Thomas Neuberger)

• “When you’re running, it’s not necessarily an expensive sport, but if you want all the gear and stuff, it gets expensive pretty quick.” (11:24 | Thomas Neuberger)

• “We’re in a really nice moment in the running shoe industry where there’s a lot of good product out there.” (23:56 | Thomas Neuberger)

Links

Connect with Thomas Neuberger:

https://www.instagram.com/tfneuberger/

https://www.instagram.com/believeintherun/

https://believeintherun.com/

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

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

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

What keeps Dutch Olympian Mike Foppen running despite setbacks and injuries? This episode dives into his athletic journey from soccer player to national record holder in track, exploring the challenges and triumphs he’s faced, including his recovery from an injury at the Tokyo Olympics. Mike discusses his transition to full-time running, his goal to break the sub-13-minute barrier in the 5k, and how the Lever system has been crucial in his training and recovery phases.

Listeners will gain insights into the demanding world of elite athletics, discovering how Mike handles injuries, prepares for major competitions like the Olympics, and utilizes modern training aids to enhance performance. Whether you’re an aspiring runner or a seasoned sports fan, this episode provides a thorough insight into overcoming obstacles and pursuing excellence in high-stakes competition.

Quotes

• “I’m basically preparing for the Olympics as if I’m already qualified.” (07:51 | Mike Foppen)

• “We’re always balancing on a thin line when it comes to injuries and training, but I think I didn’t go too far, I would say. I just took a lot of risks last year. And it’s part of the game.” (11:35 | Mike Foppen)

• “I think for rehabilitation, it was mostly the exercises that really helped my tendons. So you got to build up, of course. I started doing alternative training first, I think, so not directly running. I really wanted three full weeks of running then started building that up with the lever. Actually, that’s where the lever got involved as well. I borrowed it from another runner I know. That really helped me in the build up by just increasing the mileage, but being able to keep it under control.” (24:14 | Mike Foppen)

Links

Connect with Mike Foppen:

https://www.instagram.com/mikefoppen/

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

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

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“Going into Ultraman, it was making it to the starting line healthy and proving to myself that I could do big things healthy. I did that and I succeeded,” says Ultraman athlete Katie Solbo. In this episode, the seasoned triathlete discusses the extreme challenges of competing in one of the world's most grueling endurance races.

Recently securing the second female spot in an Ultraman event—just minutes behind the leader—Katie delves into her meticulous preparation and race performance. She shares details of her specialized training regimen for the Ultraman. After overcoming multiple foot surgeries, Katie adopted a training approach focused on low-intensity, high-volume workouts, advised by her coach. This strategy incorporated the use of the Lever to minimize impact and aid recovery crucial for building endurance and managing fatigue in such a demanding race.

Katie also explores broader strategies for tackling extreme physical challenges, discussing sustainable training methods and the mental toughness required for ultra-endurance events. Her insights are valuable for athletes considering an Ultraman race, emphasizing the importance of consistent, gentle training and thorough mental preparation for formidable competitions.

Quotes

• “I got into this sport just by the allure of fitness itself. And then I was like, ‘Oh, I wonder what it looks like to do all three together.’ And so I fell face first in the triathlon. And my why has been geared towards achieving bigger and greater things for me. So whether that was a world championship or a PR and like an everyday role out of bed, it’s like I want to be faster, better, stronger. That’s my ultimate goal.” (03:09 | Katie Solbo)

• “Going into Ultraman, it was making it to the starting line healthy and proving to myself that I could do big things healthy. I did that and I succeeded.” (03:38 | Katie Solbo)

• “The biggest lesson I learned—and I definitely took that into the Ultraman Florida training—was that the lever is my best friend. For my body, for the way my muscles recover, for my propensity of injury, I needed to put much more emphasis on staying on the lever than having outdoor miles. The importance was just there for me.” (12:28 | Katie Solbo)

• “I don’t think Ultraman is unattainable for anyone. If you are dedicated and you have a couple years of just consistent training under your belt. Because when it comes down to it, I look back, I relied so heavily on years of consistent training to allow me to get to the finish line. And that’s what it takes.” (30:31 | Katie Solbo)

Links

Connect with Katie Solbo:

https://www.instagram.com/tri_kat23/

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

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

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

What motivates an Olympian when faced with setbacks? In this episode, three-time Olympian and renowned Scottish athlete Eilish McColgan delves into the various aspects of her athletic career. Eilish discusses her upbringing in a family of elite runners, her experiences dealing with challenging injuries, and her approach to training and competing.

Eilish shares how her parents—both accomplished athletes—nurtured her love for running without imposing pressure, allowing her to pursue the sport on her own terms. Despite encountering mental and physical hurdles, such as a critical injury prior to the London Marathon, Eilish persevered through a difficult recovery marked by misdiagnoses and setbacks, which strengthened her mental resilience and shaped her approach to overcoming obstacles.

Discussing her evolution in training, Eilish highlights the importance of integrating cross-training and recovery strategies into her regimen to manage her workload effectively. The Lever, a key tool in her recovery phases, aids in adjusting training intensity and volume to prevent recurring injuries. Eilish also stresses the significance of maintaining a healthy balance between athletic pursuits and personal well-being, advising against sacrificing life's joys for sporting success.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Paris Olympics, Eilish shares her aspirations, detailing her current training focuses and the strategic preparations she and her team are undertaking to ensure peak performance. Her balanced approach to sport and career exemplifies her role as a model of resilience in professional athletics.

Quotes

• “I’m not someone who goes to bed dreaming of becoming an Olympic champion or anything like that. I’ve never, ever been that type of person. I literally just enjoy trying to run my own PB, whether I come first in a race or last in a race, but I've run a PB, that for me is what is the motivating factor. I like that feeling of pushing yourself and knowing that you’ve done it.” (02:54 | Eilish McColgan)

• “As an athlete, I always want to keep pushing, I want to do more.” (09:06 | Eilish McColgan)

• “Now I have a much better balance with my training of recovery, of having a day off every week, using things like the lever, just small things like that, just reducing my load.” (11:49 | Eilish McColgan)

• “Cross-training is a huge part of my program. I’d say over the last five years that’s been implemented and has just completely changed the way that I train. (12:01 | Eilish McColgan)

• “The hardest part is getting a qualifying time. There’s not a huge amount of 10k races of that high level across the world. To be able to have my time and know that that’s banked is definitely a good feeling. Obviously, because I’ve been injured, I still need to show fitness and form towards my federation, so I have until the end of June to do that. We have our British Championships at the very end of June, so it’ll be up to me to try and prove that I'm... I don't need to be breaking records and setting PBs, but I certainly need to show that I am moving towards that Olympic standard again.” (33:19 | Eilish McColgan)

Links

Connect with Eilish McColgan:

https://www.instagram.com/eilishmccolgan/

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

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

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Can one return to form as an ultra runner with just two months of a recovery program? Stefanie Flippin, a Lululemon athlete, is living proof that it's possible. In this episode, Stefanie takes us through her journey as a physician, a professional runner and a coach. She discusses her recovery and training following a bone stress injury that sidelined her at the end of 2023. This eventually culminated in her triumphant performance at the Lululemon FURTHER event—a six-day ultramarathon spanning over 100 miles.

Stefanie touches on the specific challenges and adjustments in her training leading up to the Lululemon FURTHER event, particularly her cautious approach following her recovery from COVID-19 and a subsequent stress reaction in her sacrum. Thanks to the Lever system, she managed a controlled and effective return to running, gradually increasing her outdoor activity while managing the load on her body to prevent further injury.

Beyond her achievements, Stefanie is deeply committed to fostering growth within the trail running community, promoting diversity, and improving accessibility within the sport. Her story is an example of resilience, strategic recovery, and the innovative use of training tools like the Lever Movement system to overcome setbacks.

Quotes

• “I’m really opposed to the idea of waiting until your golden years. People just work so, so hard. You can work hard but still enjoy the moment that you’re in now and not waste—I don’t want to say waste your youth—but these are the golden years. Every moment is that. I don’t think that we should wait until we’re 65 to pursue what sets our heart on fire.” (16:09 | Stefanie Flippin)

• “What do I actually want to accomplish in this sport? Is it purely performance-oriented? And I came to the conclusion that it’s actually not. My performance goals are very important to me and I feel like I hold those tightly in one hand. But on the other hand, I feel like it’s also just as important to me to build community, to empower other runners, to build diversity in this sport, and to make it as accessible as possible.” (19:34 | Stefanie Flippin)

• “Regardless if the athlete wants to continue on, I want them to have a good and positive empowering experience with the race and just their training along the way so that it’s not something where they cross the finish line hating the sport and the experience they just had.” (24:14 | Stefanie Flippin)

• “It was really, really nice to have the lever system where I could just offload a ton of body weight, but then just run for 20 minutes. And it actually feels like overground running without that stop, start, stop, start.” (34:01 | Stefanie Flippin)

• “I want to get a good feeling racing. Not to say that it’s non-competitive, but just something that feels good. And I think that that’s always smart. That’s something that I recommend to any level of athlete entering back after injury. You don’t need to stress yourself out by entering into a national championship race. Just set joyful goals, make it fun again.” (44:07 | Stefanie Flippin)

Links

Connect with Stefanie Flippin:

https://www.instagram.com/stefanieannflippin/

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

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

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Each year, 80% of runners face injuries. Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards, the head physical therapist for the Atlanta Track Club, addresses this high incidence of running injuries. She brings a wealth of experience, from authoring books and conducting pivotal research to hosting her own podcast and running a specialized PT practice for runners and triathletes. She also introduces RunSource, an app designed by her company, FastBananas, to transform runners' approaches to training and recovery.

Dr. Kate emphasizes the holistic care provided at the Atlanta Track Club, where her holistic approach extends beyond treating physical injuries, considering athletes' mental and emotional health. She details how the club's integrated team of dietitians, psychologists, and chiropractors works together to prevent overtraining and boost performance by prioritizing the overall health of each athlete.

By discussing the risks of following popular fitness and diet trends without considering individual needs, Dr. Kate stresses the importance of expert guidance. She points out the benefits of using heart rate variability (HRV) tracking as a tool for monitoring training loads and preventing overtraining. Her clinical use of the Lever system is particularly beneficial for postpartum athletes and those recovering from stress fractures or managing tendinopathies. The system, an essential part of injury recovery prehab, allows athletes to train effectively while minimizing injury risks by offloading some of their body weight.

Dr. Kate reminds runners to listen to their bodies and adjust their training schedules accordingly. She stresses the importance of rest, recovery, and not being rigidly tied to training plans.

Quotes

• “Runners getting injured hasn't changed in 40 years. The same amount of runners are getting injured all of the time. And no matter what happens from a shoe standpoint, or what happens in terms of like the coolest technology out there, or that we're tracking this, we're tracking that, nothing has changed. I believe that nothing has changed because we haven't really looked at the athlete from that holistic view.” (08:31 | Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards)

• “You have to know what overtraining is, what it looks like and what impacts it. I would say the No. 1 thing is stress, whether it's mental, emotional or physical.” (12:04 | Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards)

• “80% of runners are injured and it's happened for 40 years and nothing has changed. All of the things that I've seen with the track club in the last three years and seeing the resources that they've had that have really helped them, I thought, ‘Why can't everybody have these same resources?’ And a lot of the people that are experts in the field are unavailable to most people, because we're too busy. We've got a zillion projects going on, we're booked out, or we're too expensive, and you can't get in to see us. So I decided to say to all the experts I know, ‘Hey guys, let's get together, create this app and give this information to people.’ So maybe we have a chance to start decreasing this trend of getting injured and help people reach those performance levels that they want without getting injured because you can't be a high performer if you end up injured.” (17:12 | Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards)

• “What's really cool about the lever is that you can add that mileage, get that time on the ground, but it takes you away from that line a little bit, which is what I like.” (26:26 | Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards)

Links

Connect with Dr. Kate:

https://www.instagram.com/precisionpt_atl/ https://www.fastbananas.com/

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

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

https://levermovement.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm