Running Is Life Podcast
 

Running Is Life Podcast

https://feed.podbean.com/RunningIsLifePodcast/feed.xml

96.9K

Downloads

250

Episodes

Running is Life reflects what our sport teaches us. Through the trials, tribulations, and obstacles we overcome in running, we can reflect upon and apply these lessons in our daily lives, and ultimately improve ourselves.

Episodes

Should we use HRV as a predictor? Episode 239

Thursday Sep 12, 2024

Thursday Sep 12, 2024

I had a great discussion with the athlete's I coach about using HRV as a predictor for recovery, and that is what spurred this Episode. That original discussion was inspired by the following podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainingpeaks-coachcast/id1435395422?i=1000664573776

with Marco Altini https://www.marcoaltini.com/

and the following article by Alex Hutchison https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/machine-learning-predict-workout-recovery/

I hope this provides some insight into using tracking devices and readiness scores to determine if you're recovered enough to follow your running/activity for the day!

 

Resources:

HRV4Training App - https://www.hrv4training.com/

Vulnerability essay - https://longreads.com/2024/09/05/spin-masculinity-loneliness-friendship/

 

Until next time...Keep moving forward! Running is Life!

 

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

 

Read more

To Build A Trail - Episode 238

Thursday Sep 05, 2024

Thursday Sep 05, 2024

So we built "Saft's Trail". A lot went into this trail, and here's how we did it. Thanks to the Carolina Mountain Club - https://carolinamountainclub.org/ - for all their help! Thanks to Rugby Middle School for allowing us to build this. Thanks to both the Rugby and West Henderson athletes and parents for their work hours. We did it! Now come enjoy it on Sept. 28th at The Truly Tough XC Classic 5k - https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=118288

Please reach out to me if you can donate to the team! Thank you!

 

Resources:

OnX Backcountry App - https://www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/app

AllTrails App - https://www.alltrails.com/

 

Thank you for all the help! 

-Aaron Saft

 

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

Read more

Types of Coaches & The Coach I Hope to Become - Episode 237

Thursday Aug 29, 2024

Thursday Aug 29, 2024

There are many different types of coaches out there. Here I describe all sides of each type. The good and the bad. Then I talk about qualities I try to use as a coach myself. If you'd like to speak with me about coaching, please reach out!

Truly Tough XC Classic 5K - Sept. 28 - complete details & registration here - https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=118288

 

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

Read more

How Are you After a Poor Race or DNF? Let's Talk! Episode 236

Thursday Aug 22, 2024

Thursday Aug 22, 2024

Racing is hard enough. After a poor performance or DNF, it makes the next race even tougher to mentally and physically prepare for. Here are my thoughts for moving forward!

 

Podcast on Analyzing your race/event:

https://runningislifepodcast.podbean.com/e/so-you-had-a-bad-race-here-s-the-next-steps-w-personal-notes-episode-95/

 

Books:

"Puke & Rally" by Rob Bell

"Do Hard Things" by Steve Magness

 

Truly Tough XC Classic 5k - Sept. 28 - https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=118288

 

My notes:

1. Accept a bad race or DNF is a possibility. We must acknowledge this fact, but also understand that a DNF does not define us. At the same time, we must recognize when a good race happens. Heart Breaker vs Hellbender. My string of tough 100s.
2. Remember that training is the journey. Enjoy the process. Race days are the celebration of the journey. We certainly can have a hard time celebrating a bad race. High Lonesome for instance was tough to celebrate even though I finished. While I was certainly proud of the fact I finished, I had a very hard time processing the race and what went so wrong so early. What I did remember was the 2 weeks leading up to the race and the time I spent with my daughter during those 2 weeks and her paying me to the finish.
3. The sting and disappointment we feel after a bad race or a DNF stems from the amount we care about the results of our goal event. In honesty, I don’t know why some races are easier to let go than others. Hellbender means the world to me and I didn’t finish, but I was ok with that due to being sick. Maybe that was due to the fact that I knew I could take another crack at HB vs feeling awful for 80 miles at HiLo knowing I had spent a lot of money to be out there early and acclimate, and things still went sideways. Again, I’m honestly not sure. Our thoughts and emotions are so complex. My point here is that it is ok to react in whatever way you need to even if it leaves you shrugging your shoulders in confusion. There aren’t always answers and our brains have a hard time dealing with that.
4. Questioning our decisions about this sport and what’s next after a bad race or DNF of a goal event can be very difficult! It’s times like these I turn to resources of people that have experienced this. Currently I am reading “Puke & Rally” by Dr Rob Bell. Puking is our bad race & rally is our comeback or at least next step. After 6 really hard 100 mile races, I was left questioning whether I was really wanting to do any more. Is there something worth going after? Does something still excite me with the possibility of that event not going to plan? Those questions rattled around in my brain and if I’m real with you, they are still valid questions I’m sorting through. Do I need to train for something? Do I need a goal to enjoy my running? These are all hard questions to answer. I’ve recognized that my focus on training has shifted from my own to those I coach (all age groups included here). The importance I place on my own training has diminished significantly and I recognize that just getting out for a simple run is enough for me. I simply cannot devote the time I once did to training. A harsh reality, but one I am ok with. That said, I recognize that the possibility for a bad race or a DNF is higher now. So the question becomes, how do I scratch the itch for a long day in the mountains? That’s where the BRUTES Challenge came in. BRUTES matches where I am with not only my training, but my mental state. You have to find that match for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with just running and not having a goal. For myself, I’ve simply had something to work towards for my entire 34 years of running. COVID lockdown made me realize that I enjoy having something to work towards. Sometimes that something takes us awhile to figure out, and that’s ok as well. Best to find something that inspires you then to just settle for an event that you just go through the motions to complete and lack joy and enjoyment in your training.
5. Another book that bears reading (rereading) is Steve Magness’ “ Do Hard Things”. Magness reminds us that without challenge or the uncertainty of completion that comes with setting a goal, we can lack motivation or simply caring enough to get ourselves out there and train. It’s by setting ourselves up for these challenges that we are able to test our limits and find out what it is that we are truly capable of. When I look back at HiLo, I have to admit, I’m pretty proud of the mental grit I have. It’s those moments, when you’re at your lowest that you truly find out who you really are! And THAT right there is why I continue to get after it!

 

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

 

Read more

Lots to Share - Episode 235

Thursday Aug 15, 2024

Thursday Aug 15, 2024

Stream of consciousness (Outline of the episode):

  • House Keeping
  • All or nothing vs something
  • Strides yesterday
  • Setting intention for the week - Headspace App - https://www.headspace.com/
  • Reading the book "Puke & Rally" by Dr Rob Bell
  • Cross Country working on being present
  • Dealing with DNF/race cancellations/course modifications - control the controllable
  • Take the time to process
  • Is there anything to replace it?
  • If not, take a break

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

Read more

Justin Walker's Hardrock 100 - Episode 234

Thursday Aug 08, 2024

Thursday Aug 08, 2024

Justin Walker was one of the lucky "Never Runs" to be selected in the Hardrock 100 Lottery to run in 2024. This is his story. 

 

Connect with Justin on Strava as Justin Walker or on Instagram @runjwalkrun

 

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

Read more

Julie Jordan's Vol State 500k Story (Amazing!) - Episode 233

Thursday Aug 01, 2024

Thursday Aug 01, 2024

Julie Jordan is already an amazing person! Then she goes and finishes the Vol State 500k, and what a story she has from the event! Buckle up! This is AWESOME!

 

Connect with Julie on Facebook @Julia Jordan & on Instagram @AndIMustGo55

 

Tsali Ultra (50k, 30k, & 8k) will take place Jan. 18, 2025 at Fontana Lake. No longer under my direction, but I'm glad it's still happening. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Almond/TsaliUltra

Get 10% off your entry fee by using the code SAFT at checkout.

I gain nothing through advertising this race, I just want to support it! The course and people are awesome! Sign up!

 

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

 

 

Read more

High Lonesome 100 Finish Recap - Episode 232

Thursday Jul 25, 2024

Thursday Jul 25, 2024

Here it is, my emotional recap of the High Lonesome 100 finish! 

 

Resources -

Running is Life Podcast - High Lonesome 100 Plan (Episode 231) - https://runningislifepodcast.podbean.com/e/high-lonesome-100-mile-plan-episode-231/

High Lonesome 100 Website - https://www.highlonesome100.com/

Weird Al "Foil" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urglg3WimHA

 

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

Read more

High Lonesome 100-mile Plan - Episode 231

Thursday Jul 18, 2024

Thursday Jul 18, 2024

In this episode I talk through all my plans for the High Lonesome 100 that starts on Friday, July 19th. 

 

Resources:

Outdoor Research Swift Bucket Cap - https://www.outdoorresearch.com/products/swift-bucket-hat-300965?variant=47342817476929

Outdoor Research Hooded Echo Sun Shirt - https://www.outdoorresearch.com/collections/sun-protection/products/mens-echo-printed-hoodie-300170

Rabbit Ice RAD-dana - Ice bandana - https://www.runinrabbit.com/products/ice-raddana-whiteblack-1

Rab Phantom Waterproof jacket - https://rab.equipment/us/phantom-pull-on

Mont Bell Rain Trecker Waterproof Jacket - https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=2328241

Dirty Girl Gaiters -https://dirtygirlgaiters.com/

 

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

Read more

Self Confidence with My Daughter, Ambrin Saft - Episode 230

Thursday Jul 11, 2024

Thursday Jul 11, 2024

My daughter and I discuss her outdoor track season and what happened at the Adidas Nationals Meet. Much of her performance was affected by factors outside her control which affected her self confidence. In this episode we discuss what she and you can do moving forward to improve self confidence and not let factors you cannot control hamper your racing. 

 

Resources:

Books:

Pants of Perspective by Anna McNuff

Once A Runner & Again to Carthage by John L Parker Jr

 

Songs:

She's a Rainbow by Rolling Stones

 

TV Show:

Ted Lasso - Season 2 Episode 5 "Rainbow"

 

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

Read more
Load more

Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Version: 20240731